Even to this day, no one really knows why he did it, although millions annually visit the complex of museums bearing his name. When Englishman James Smithson died in 1829, his will provided for his estate of about $500,000 to be gifted to “the United States of America, to found at Washington, under the name of the Smithsonian Institution, an Establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge.” Smithson was an obscure scientist known by few. You may not know much about Smithson, but you certainly know of his deeds.

Give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples!

I Chronicles 16:8

If the Lord is your Savior, his works and wonders are obvious to you. Yet most of the world knows no more about Jesus than they do about James Smithson. In this month of thanksgiving, how will you “make known his deeds among the peoples?”

Today, pray that your life might be used to draw others to the gift of eternal life offered by God. James Smithson, the mystery man, impacted generations of Americans with his thoughtful generosity. As you follow God’s perfect will for your life, your spiritual legacy shall be even greater!

Recommended Reading: I Timothy 4:4-10