by Dr. Don Kuehle, United Methodist, Retired
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by Dr. Don Kuehle, United Methodist, Retired
I copied this a long time ago from some unknown author; it still speaks to us today:
“Fred Somebody, Thomas Everybody, Peter Anybody, and Joe Nobody were neighbors. They were not, however, like you and me. They were odd people, difficult to understand. The way they lived was a shame!
All four men belonged to the same church; but you would not have enjoyed being a part of their church.
EVERYBODY went fishing on Sunday, or stayed home entertaining family and friends.
ANYBODY wanted to attend worship, but was afraid SOEMBODY might not speak to him. So, guess who did go to church! That’s right, NOBODY!
Actually, NOBODY was the only decent one of the four: NOBODY did the visitation; NOBODY worked on the upkeep of the church building; NOBODY volunteered to help when help was needed; NOBODY wanted to serve on any church committees. Once, when they needed a Sunday School teacher, EVERYBODY thought ANYBODY would do it; and ANYBODY thought SOMEBODY would do it. You know who finally did it? NOBODY!
Now it happened that a fifth person (not a Christian) moved into the neighborhood. EVERYBODY believed that SOMEBODY should visit him and invite him to church. ANYBODY could have taken the time to go by and welcome him to the community and to the church. You know who finally contacted him and won him to the church? You guessed it, NOBODY!”
This little parable points up the fact that each one of us is responsible for the tasks God calls us to do! We would be remiss in our Christian duty if we left the work for Somebody, or Everybody, or Anybody to do; what happens is that Nobody will get the work done!
Annie Coghill provides us with an answer in her wonderful old hymn:
“Work, for the night is coming – Work through the morning hours; Work while the dew is sparkling – Work mid springing flowers; Work when the day grows brighter – Work in the glowing sun; Work, for the night is coming, when man’s (our) work is done!
Work, for the night is coming – Work through the sunny noon; Fill brightest hours with labor – Rest comes sure and soon.
Give every flying moment something to keep in store; Work, for the night is coming, when man (we) works no more!
Work, for the night is coming – Work under sunset skies; While the bright tints are glowing – Work, for daylight flies!
Work till the last beam fadeth – Fadeth to shine no more; Work while the night is darkening, When man’s (our) work is o’er!”
God created us to work with Him in making this world a “Heaven-on-earth.”
God is the Boss; we are the work crew. Every morning, the Boss calls our name and assigns us our tasks for the day. If we rely on Somebody to do the work, or even on Anybody or Everybody, Nobody will do it! Nobody can do our work for us!