The last bulletin of the year, and Robert is writing it!

Well, sorta. I have tried in the past to get many different people to write a bulletin. I have also heard many good invitations on Wednesday nights, talks that would have made great bulletins, but whenever I suggest this to Brian, Dave, Frank, and yes, Robert, I always get this "But I can't write one." One time Robert and I were both early to the deacons' meeting, and we were chatting in the auditorium. As usual, I suggested he write an article and talked about it a bit.

First I asked Robert what he might write about, and I suggested he write about something he knows a lot about (not that this has always applied to me, ha ha!) He said he spent a lot of time at work, and knew a lot about work. So, we went with that. Why do people work? I ask him.

And Robert knew lots of answers. People work for money, because they buy things they need or want. Some people work to support their family, and that may mean buying the groceries as well as providing income for someone else. Robert also reminded me that people work because God says they should, as in if a man won't work, neither should he eat. Robert enjoys his job, and so he noted that some people work simply because they enjoy it. How often do we feel depressed, or useless, which we overcome by digging in and accomplishing something? Finally, Robert also pointed out some people work because they get to spend time with their friends, It's a way to meet people, to not feel lonely, and to experience things.

"But Ok Randy, " Robert tells me, "that's all nice but not a bulletin." Oh, but it is!

Robert was talking about work in this world, but doesn't all of it apply to the work serving God? Not that we make God a debtor in any way, but we are certainly not to be idle either!

For money? Christians who serve God lay up treasures in heaven. Yes? And don't we want to go to heaven? Who does Jesus say get to go there? (Matthew 7:21)

To support a family? God demands we care for our family, that we fulfill roles as proper parents or children, that we neglect no one.

Because God says so? YES. Because God says so. Period.

For enjoyment? What is the spiritual cure for depression, if it's not digging in and serving God in the fullest? And what gives more joy, more "job satisfaction" as it were?

Time with friends? Oh my! Where else would you want friends to be, than on their way to a heavenly home? And what wonderful people you will meet! We will still be lonely sometimes in this world, but when we look past it we know (we know!) that we are never alone.

So good job, Robert, I knew you could do it. Ok, I did help a little. But you could have done it all, and so could Dave (ahem!) and Frank and Brian and Ben and ...

I Timothy 5:8 But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.

Matthew 6:19-21 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Luke 6:22-23 Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.

Luke 19:37-38 And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen; Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest.

Matthew 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.