I’ve done my time, it is someone else’s turn.
I always enjoy sitting in Church on Sunday and learning something new. It doesn’t matter how many times I have read the Bible, every time it is read, something new is discovered. This morning was not disappointing, in that I heard a phrase that hit the mark with me, and others, I am sure. An elderly member of our community has been quoted saying: “You would think that there are jails in the basement of every church. All you ever hear is, ‘I’ve done my time, it is someone else’s turn!’” He finished the statement by saying, “I will work until there is not a breath in me!”
AMEN! AND AGAIN I SAY AMEN! This elderly man felt it was a privilege to do the work of the Lord, not a life sentence. We all could learn an important lesson here, we too are privileged to do the Lord’s work!
What exactly is the Lord’s work? Well, the greatest commandment is: Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Were you expecting something deep and difficult? It is just that simple, spread the Love of Jesus Christ, any way you can, being a Sunday school teacher, volunteer at a soup kitchen, or meals on wheels. But there is a catch, you must do it with a joyful heart. And above all these things put on charity (Love), which is the bond of perfectness.
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
How many people do you know that knock themselves out for the PTA, HUMANE SOCIETY, and ROTARY CLUB ETC.., are not actively doing anything for the LOVE of Christ. I can look in the mirror and one person will come to mind. I am not asking you to carry a banner, or a cross, for that matter through the streets of your town, but maybe give a needy family a gift card, or an anonymous monetary gift. Remember this is done for the glory of God, not your own kudos.
Well guys, here it comes, one of the first songs I ever sang as a solo. I love this song:
Follow Me by Ira Stanphill
1 I traveled down a lonely road And no one seemed to care;
The burden on my weary back Had bowed me to despair,
I oft complained to Jesus How folks were treating me,
And then I heard Him say so tenderly,
“My feet were also weary, Upon the Calv’ry road;
The cross became so heavy, I fell beneath the load,
Be faithful weary pilgrim, The morning I can see,
Just lift your cross and follow close to me.”
- “I work so hard for Jesus” I often boast and say,
“I’ve sacrificed a lot of things To walk the narrow way,
I gave up fame and fortune, I’m worth a lot to Thee,”
And then I hear Him gently say to me.
“I left the throne of glory And counted it but loss,
My hands were nailed in anger Upon a cruel cross,
But now we’ll make the journey With your hand safe in mine,
So lift your cross and follow close to me.
- Oh, Jesus if I die upon A foreign field some day,
‘Twould be no more than love demands No less could I repay,
“No greater love hath mortal man Than for a friend to die”
These are the words He gently spoke to me,
“If just a cup of water I place within your hand
Then just a cup of water Is all that I demand,”
But if by death to living They can thy glory see,
I’ll take my cross and follow close to thee.
Is he really asking so much of us to spread Love after everything He has done for us? Would you trade places with Him? I am glad we don’t have to make that choice. But one choice we can make is: And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. Joshua 24:15
As parents it is important for our children to never hear us complain about the work of the Lord. Live by example, and serve with a joyful heart. A picture is worth one thousand words!
We as authors know if we are in the wrong mindset nothing will go right. We cannot bring two words together that make any sense. The same is true in our home life, things as simple as grumbling about making dinner for our family sucks the love right out of the deed. Think before you act or think, you will be glad you did!
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
Galatians 6:9
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.
II Thessalonians 3:13
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28
Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;
II Corinthians 4:1
But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.
Job 23:10