" . . . This Means You!" Have you noticed lately that some folks think the usual ‘rules’ of life do not apply to them? Have you had the pleasure of seeing a little red sports car zoom by you at a speed of 90 miles per hour? Or a big green truck sitting on your back bumper because you are going only 65 mph? You see, speed limit signs don’t apply to little red sports cars and big trucks. Traffic lights and the rules thereof apply only to those over the age of 25. Likely they are the same people who assume that breaking into a line of people is bad manners only for a certain few – but not for them. The words of our title were seen in a parking area outside a small building on the outskirts of a large city. The property was located next door to a local bar, and evidently those who do business in that bar have parked where they were not welcome. So – “..This Means You!” What causes this “me first..” attitude in us humans? Are we so arrogant that we don’t care about the other guy? Do we really believe the rules don’t apply to us? Since these problems exist, we are not surprised to find that some have the same view of Bible “rules.” One family believes giving to the Lord “as God hath prospered him” (1 Corinthians 16:1-2) is written only to people with lots of money. But like that sign says – “This means you!” Others have thought – and even told others that teaching the Gospel (Matthew 28:18-20) applies only to preachers and elders. “Why do you think we’re paying you?” seems to be in the minds of some. “That’s your job, not mine.” But the Bible explains, “This means you!” Is it possible that a few members believe “not forsaking the assembling of yourselves together” (Hebrews 10:24-25) is addressed only to those who have a “thing” for religion? When the time of our judgment comes, we shall all be judged individually: “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad,” 2 Corinthians 5:10. Note the words “all, ” “every one,” “that he hath done.” Sounds like you won’t be able to get by on Mom and Dad’s faith and good lives, doesn’t it! Yes, it’s true: God neither expects nor demands more than our skills and talents can accomplish, but He does demand that of all of us. Yes, “This means you!” The “one talent” man of Matthew 25 needed to understand that he was expected to do only what he could do, but he was expected to do that. Two of the three men in Jesus’ parable were praised, but not the “one talent man.” Jesus said to him: “You wicked and lazy servant…cast the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth,” Matthew 25:26-30. When we know what to do but do not want to do it, we need to be reminded – “This means me!” Now let’s be real practical. This is not some theater presentation, nor is this a mere philosophical debate. Just as the “no parking” sign meant business, the Bible also means business. Ask yourself these questions: When I see something that needs to be done, do I do it? Or do I expect someone else to do it? The Bible speaks in clear terms, informing us of certain obligations we have as Christians. It may be that no one else knows whether you have kept your promise to God. But He knows. And you know. In the business world, a person is hired to perform certain duties. You would not last long as an employee if the supervisor had to review those duties with you every day. Does someone have to call you and ask you to fill your place in the Kingdom? As a parent, do you accept your role in caring for and entertaining your children? Or do other parents have to take your place? When asked to teach a Bible class, is your immediate response, “Get someone else”? Or do you say, “I’ll be glad to”? • “…singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord,” Ephesians 5:19. This means you! • “…love your enemies, do good to them that hate you,” Luke 6:35. This means you! • “Love one another,” John 13:34. This means you! • “Children, obey your parents…for this is right,” Ephesians 6:1. Children (all ages) This means you! By itself, duty is a poor taskmaster, but true joy comes when we do our “duty” to the point that we enjoy it. We can love God so much that we do our duty, but do so because we love Christ and our fellow man. This means you – and “me too.” Carl B. Garner “A duty ignored is like a debt unpaid; it is only deferred, and we must come back and settle the account at the last.” Joseph Newton “The reward of one duty is the power to fulfill another.” George Eliot “When saw we thee hungry and fed thee, or thirsty and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? …I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” Matthew 25:37-40
Posted on: Tue, 30 Jul 2013 09:27:41 +0000
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