The aim of the modern factory system is to make every action performed during the eight hours working day contribute to producing the finished product. Sharp competition has taught these keen-witted business men that lost energy, aimless movements, “leaks” in production are the tiny elements that make for disaster in mercantile ventures. One problem that for a long time seemed irremediable was that of the difference in productive results of men who worked equally hard; in fact, oftentimes the (seemingly) hardest working man had less actual results to show at the close of the day than the other men whom some termed slow. At length an ingenious thinker tried out the following plan, which has been since adopted in all the greatest factories for increasing production. He took a moving picture camera and set it in operation in the factory work shop. Each man who was engaged in the same line of piece work was recorded on the camera film. Then the films were developed, finished and thrown on the screen. Now the actions of each man can be minutely compared. The pictures can be turned so slowly that each small change in the position of the hands or feet is leisurely observed.
The result of this test has been magical. It was found that this man who worked so hard, and did so little, had wasted most of his energy in useless movements, while the actions of the “slow” man were seen to be all directed to a necessary end. The workingmen are now gathered in classes and witness the painfully accurate record of their own actions; their weaknesses are pointed out, and they return to their post with a new insight into the secret of productive work. The result of this plan on factory output has been untold. In many cases the productivity of a single employee has been doubled in a month.
Now, young Christian, let us apply this illustration to our service for the Lord. He expects there to be an “output” from our daily lives. “Ye shall bring forth much fruit” (John 15:5). “For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful” (2 Peter 1:8). What is it that makes the productivity of some of us so meager and disappointing? Is it not wasted energy? Remember, Paul said, “A man is not crowned, except he strive lawfully” (2 Tim. 2:5). You may be ever so busy and imagine you are doing a great deal for the Lord, but unless He adds His blessing to each act, it can produce nothing for Him. If your sphere of work for the Lord is not one the Scripture marks out, then drop it – it is wasted energy. What is the remedy? Turn God’s searchlight on your life and see where the point of failure lies. “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15). The Word of God will detect for us where our energies are being spent for naught, and we may be sure, if we are serving in a capacity that will not stand the test of His book of instructions we shall not be crowned. If you are laboring to build up some religious system of men, or occupying a man-appointed position in the Church of God. you are hindering the free working of the Holy Spirit, and much of your energies, however well meant, are being wasted. Whatever we do for the Lord must have the approval of His written Word, or our fruit bearing is denied. “To obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams” (1 Sam. 15:22).