Knowing Tom

Knowing Tom

Jim, Travis, and Kelly were really excited that Tom was coming to town.  The three coworkers would often go during their lunch break to the coffee shop on the corner to grab a cup of coffee and talk about politics, current events, family happenings, and anything that would come up.

 

“I think it is really cool that our CEO would take the time to come visit us for a week to help streamline our operations,” said Kelly.  

 

“Yeah, he’s a really caring guy,” said Jim.

 

“Oh, I know,” said Travis, “I read all about him—his biography, his philosophy on business, and I have all of his books on my shelf!  Anything he has said, I’m sure I have read it.”

 

“Well, I have heard him speak,” Kelly grinned.  “You should have heard the way he spoke—so eloquently—and there was a real power to his inspirational message.  I’m sure I will never be the same after hearing him and just being in his presence.  I even got to shake his hand afterwards!  I am definitely going to the conference next month to hear his latest wisdom.  Maybe we can even have a conversation.”

 

After a minute of silence, Jim noticed Travis and Kelly looking at him expectantly.  He couldn’t help but smile.  “Well…?” Kelly said. 

 

Jim answered, “Well…he’s kind of my neighbor.  When my family and I hit some rough times, we had to sell our house.  Our CEO heard about it through the grapevine and offered to let us live in the other wing of his mansion.  I was apprehensive at first, but I saw given our situation that we had no other choice.  And it has really been great.  Tom and I take a walk every morning and we really get to talk.  He has such a heart to serve not only our clients but his employees and their families—he sees us all as his family.  I bet if he had his way, all of us would move in with him!” Jim chuckled, with a tear in his eye.  “I don’t know where I would be if it were not for Tom.  While it is definitely a blessing having a place to live, the most enjoyable part is my family living with Tom.”

 

At that moment, a man dressed in plain street clothes walked up to their table and sat down.  Kelly gasped.

“It’s…” said Travis.

“Hi Tom,” said Jim with a smile.  Tom returned the smile and looked at Travis and Kelly.

“Well you must be Travis and Kelly,” said Tom warmly, shaking each of their hands.  “You have a good friend here,” he said motioning towards Jim.  “I have made him my new branch manager.” Their jaws dropped.  “See, I have been looking for someone who is not afraid to go out on a limb, and who has a heart to help people, putting them before himself.  Someone who will continue my work.”  Jim nodded.  “Jim,” said Tom, putting his hand on Jim’s shoulder, “I am giving you the company.  And my mansion.”

“But Tom, I can’t handle that all by myself—I will need your help!  And the mansion—it is way too big for just me and my family!  There are so many people who could find a home there.”

“That is why I am giving it to you.”  Silence.  As they sat at the table, awestruck, it began to sink in to Jim and his friends just the magnitude of the gift given. “I’m glad we could all sit 

 here and talk. Now how about some coffee?” 

In this story, there are three friends who all claim to know Tom, their CEO.

Travis, has read all about Tom, having even read the books written by Tom.

Kelly, on the other hand, has heard Tom speak and has been in his presence

Jim is a little different in that He walks and talks with Tom on a personal and regular basis, having moved himself and his family into Tom’s mansion.

Who would you say knows Tom the best?

Most would of course agree that the answer to that question is Jim.

These three people represent three types of Christians.

The first type, like Travis, have read all about Jesus—both in the Bible and Christian literature.  Even then, it is mostly fact-based knowledge and not a relationship with a real, living person. 

The second type, like Kelly, have met Jesus—meaning they have had one or more personal encounters with the Lord—but they have not gone further than that.  It may seem like they have because they repeatedly seek out those spiritual encounters—and get them--but what lacks is a life of obedience in walking with the Lord daily. 

The third type, like Jim, are sincerely following Jesus, having recognized their desperate condition, which all humans are in.  They see His heart and make it their desire to have the same heart—meaning they desire what God desires, working cooperatively with Him in everything they do.  His character qualities begin to come theirs and what He has shared with them, they share with others.

The question that this story begs is, “How do I know the Lord?” What is my relationship with him like?  This is the most important thing we could know.

Let us walk with the Lord, and desire to please Him in everything.  He will do the rest.

Amen.