Two Important Questions

The story is told that after many years as a journalist, Arthur Brisbane was offered six months of paid vacation time by the well-known newspaper publisher, William Randolph Hearst. Brisbane refused to accept the kind offer because of two reasons. He said, "If I quit writing my newspaper column for six months, it might affect the circulation of the newspaper. The second reason is that it might not affect the circulation of the newspaper."

Mr. Brisbane's answer was profound! In view of his answer, let's bring it down to a spiritual level and ask ourselves the following two important questions:

1) If I dropped out of sight for six months and did absolutely nothing for the Lord, would I be missed?
2) Would the Lord's work suffer or would there be no difference whatsoever?

As members of the Lord's church we each have a responsibility in doing the Lord's work and building up the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-16; cf. 1 Corinthians 14:26; 2 Corinthians 12:19). We cannot hire someone else to fulfill our responsibility to the Lord (Gal. 6:4-5; cf. Romans 2:5-6; 1 Corinthians 3:8). We are individually accountable to God for what we do with the time and the talents that He has so richly blessed us with.

Let us hear the inspired writer, Paul, as he wrote to the Ephesian brethren, "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil" (Ephesians 5:15-16 ESV). Dear reader, let us resolve from this day forward, that we will become more involved in the Lord's work, "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds" (Hebrews 10:24 NIV).

God has so richly blessed us with time, talent, vision, and financial means. Let us be willing to put these gifts to work for the Lord and His cause, "while it is yet day: the night cometh, when no man can work" (John 9:4 KJV).

—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets