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Article Archive |
2008
Asleep in the Bunk House
by Jim Morris
“Listen, George,” said the owner. “I let you manage my ranch to make me profits.”
“I know dad,” replied George.
“I'm looking at my books, George. The facts look rather bleak,” commented the owner. “My herd has shrunk considerably. Some cattle are missing, some are sick and some have died. Where are the calves? Where are my profits?”
“I know dad,” replied George.
“Well, what do you have to say for yourself?” demanded the father.
“I've been running short-handed for the past few years. My brothers don't seem to have time to help me work your herd. I've basically tried to work your ranch by myself. Some helped only when they felt like it. Some just refused to cooperate at all.”
“WHAT!” flared the owner. “Where are your brothers?”
“Some are away from the ranch to enjoy themselves. But most are just asleep in the bunk house” replied George.
“Keep working my ranch, George,” said the owner. “You have done well with so little help from your brothers. However, I'm coming down in person to wake up the others.”
What do you suppose the owner will do when he finds the other brothers asleep? How will he get their attention? How will he motivate them to action? Will they be given a second chance? It is a frightful thing to be called to give an account for our deeds, or lack thereof. I would not want to be caught asleep in the bunk house, would you?
Folks, working for the Lord is not a bad thing. In fact, it is good and honorable because the Lord has been merciful and gracious to us through His Son Jesus Christ. Jesus paid the price for our sin. He actually did all of the work of salvation. However, Jesus wants us to continue the work He began—to seek and save the lost—until He comes again. Jesus started the Father's work so let us work alongside Him cheerfully.
We have all of the tools and skills needed to carry out the work set before us. In fact, Jesus gives us “spiritual gifts” to accomplish His work (Romans 12:3-8). After all, we were made to do good works for Him. Paul says, “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10). Therefore, let us wake up and do the good works God designed us to do before He comes to ask us to give an accounting. Don't let yourself be caught “asleep in the bunk house.”
04-09-08
# 15
