Most people can be placed in one of two categories – they either say
a lot and do little, or they say little and do a lot. No doubt we all
know people who give undertakings or make promises, but when the crunch
comes they let us down. But there are those who, without fuss, can be
relied upon no matter what the circumstances. It is good to have that
sort of person around when trouble strikes.

There is nothing new about this. Jesus was so aware of this
problem that He used the example in His parable or story of the two sons
of a vineyard owner. The father had asked the first son to work for
him in the vineyard. He had undertaken to do so but let his father
down and did not go. The second son was then asked to do the same but
he wasn’t keen and told his father so. Later he changed his mind and
went to work in the vineyard. Both sons concerned the father. The
first because he broke an undertaking, and the second because he
initially refused his father’s request. However he did repent, and to
his father’s delight the second son obeyed him.

Jesus was saying in this parable that He wants people to work for
Him on earth – to be His hands and feet in day to day situations. Many
give that undertaking but fail to carry out their promise to serve in
this way. They say much and do little. Then there are those who are at
first reluctant to do God’s work. Perhaps they feel that the sacrifice
they would have to make is too much. On reflection they see that they
have a responsibility to help others, so they do that work. They say
little but do much. This is particularly appropriate as we mature. We
have two important commodities to offer – time and experience. These
are two things we can share with young people who have yet to make their
mark in the world.

There are many attributes that we can admire in others – compassion,
concern, wisdom, understanding. But these attributes pale into
insignificance if they are not coupled with reliability. In times of
trouble when we really need a friend, what help are compassion, concern,
wisdom and understanding if the friend is not nearby or fails to honour
a promise or commitment? It does mean that we should be careful to only
offer help that we can reliably carry out. To do less than that will
only result in more heartache. If, when people think of us in later
years, they can say, "He or she was reliable," they will be
paying us a great compliment.

Don’t say much and do little – say little and do much.

Have a good week. Pastor Ron

Optional Bible reading: Matthew 21, verses 28 to 32.

This is one of a series of weekly messages of encouragement
originating from the Derwent Valley, near Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.
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