Mike’s Musings ….
There’s Always More to Do!
Have you experienced a day when you worked so diligently, that you were completely exhausted, but in concluding your day, felt indescribable elation for your accomplishments? Such gratification for a day is self-rewarding. “I got it done,” we exclaim as we reflect with a smile, and recall some (including ourselves) had doubts of success. But there it is – completed and with distinction! But just as we swell with one last inhalation of delight, someone comes along and asks, “Now, when will you get … done?”
Well, that’s life! For the employee of a business, a list of obligatory duties is given at the first of the week, and by the end of the work week, that sense of accomplishment overwhelms the employee and may last through the weekend. But when the employee returns to work on Monday, there is always another list of obligations. Often, during such busy weeks, an unexpected duty comes that requires an absence from the former obligations, and so the emergency receives the attention, but those neglected complain that their desires are not met, and the employee might say, “I just can’t get done. I never catch up.” It isn’t always a failure of time management or diligence: often it is simply the fact there is always more to do!
The same is true of our labor in the Lord. Those who teach classes, preach sermons, lead singing or prayers, or present serious and thought-provoking messages at the Lord’s Table, devote (or should) a great deal of time to the contemplation, preparation, practice, and presentation of their efforts for the Lord. Once finished, they should immediately begin to ready themselves for the next opportunity. Those who prepare the communion, clean the building, or care for the grounds and/or the structure of the building may see a momentary completion of their labors, but must equally note, that they will need to do it again … and perhaps add to those matters of responsibility!
I muse on the reality that we mortals can always find something more to do, usually because there is always something more that needs doing! We tend to postpone (procrastinate is the term) activities we just aren’t eager to do, and while we may dabble with the chore from time to time, we never really accomplish it. When we do, we feel that temporary euphoria, but realize there is more to be done – at a later date. Sadly, too many souls act exactly the same way regarding the salvation of their souls, and/or the teaching of the gospel to others. BOTH are essential for our eternity, but neither is done once and then we’re finished for good. No, we’ll never “earn” heaven (Luke 17:10), but neither should we think we’ve done enough! There’s always more to do … let’s keep doing it!