Many years ago, William Randolph Hearst, publisher of the San Francisco Examiner, offered one of his journalists a six months’ paid vacation! The journalist refused the offer! Why? He offered two reasons: “First, if I stop writing my column for six months it might affect the circulation of the newspaper…the second reason is it might not affect the circulation of the newspaper.”

There is some thought-provoking wisdom in the reasons given by the journalist. If you or I simply dropped out and did absolutely nothing for the Lord for six months, would anyone notice our absence? Would the Lord’s work suffer because we were gone…or would there be no difference at all? As Christians we have all been called to do the Lord’s work and to build up the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-16).

Galatians 6:4,5 reminds us all that we cannot expect others to do our work…we all have our own load to bear. Every one of us will individually answer to God for what we have done with the time and talents He has given. The words of the Apostle Paul in Ephesians 5:15,16 are as true today as when they were first written: “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.”

2016 is a great year for all of us to resolve that we will become more involved in the Lord’s work. There are many good ministries going on in our congregation and they could all use more volunteers. Consider putting your gifts to work. Consider making a difference. Don’t forget that our time is limited. “…night is coming, when no man can work” (John 9:4). — Joe