This is a story about four people named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody and Nobody. There was an important job to be done and Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it. Somebody got angry about that, because it was Everybody’s job. Everybody thought Anybody could do it, but Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn’t do it. It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have
Unfortunately that story seems to play out repeatedly in churches and communities, perhaps even families. The phrase somebody will always step up and do it is repeated time and again. Conversely the critics of somebody who stepped up to do it are quick to point out that they would have done it differently. It’s really a common affliction of church and community.
We become complacent perhaps apathetic in our participation whether it’s volunteering or voting. Life is a participatory sport, not simply viewed from the stands. It requires us to get on the field, engage in the battle and be willing to sacrifice time, talent and energy for the things we believe in and hold dear.
One of the easiest jobs in the world is the “Monday morning quarterback” that can tell everyone what plays should have been done and what mistakes were made both on and off the field. Unfortunately they were not getting bruised and bloodied by participation but from the safety of the sidelines are free to criticize those who are actually in the game. While this may be a sports analogy, it is both true and evident across much of the spectrum of life, church, community and country. As we approach November 6th and this election, be sure to vote. In my opinion, if you choose not to vote then you forfeit the right to complain about those who are elected. Everybody needs to participate so that nobody gets left behind. Anybody can complain but we all need to be somebody that participates.
Blessings and Love,
Pastor Dave