Barney Rubble


Okay - go with me here...

I've known since sometime yesterday that I was going to write about Barney Rubble today... because it is what came to mind when I asked God about my topic.  However, I couldn't imagine how Barney Rubble and a Christian blog would have any connection.  Then, throughout the day and evening it became clearer.

You see, Barney is a "background character".  His name was not the one on the TV series.  He didn't get the job, car, or house that we remember when we think about the show.  And even though Barney was in every episode I can remember - his role was simply to help the story along.

There are characters in the Bible that are like that too...Aaron.  Mordecai. Silas.  They don't get the same recognition as their counterparts - Moses, Esther and Paul - but they were NEEDED to help each story along.

There is a song by the band Casting Crowns called Only Jesus.  It talks about how, so often, we are concerned with doing the things that will make a name for ourselves. The things we hope will leave a legacy that is all about US.  But the truth is - no matter what WE do here, it is NOTHING compared to what Jesus has already done - and it is HIS story, the one of repentance, forgiveness and salvation, that matters.

So, that begs the question - if we are not here to ensure a good life for ourselves, piling up money, and "toys", or doing things designed ultimately to make ourselves look good - what are we supposed to be doing?

Matthew 22:37-39 makes it clear, "You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul and all your mind.  This is the first and greatest commandment.  A second is equally important: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"

And then Philippians 2:3-4 says this: "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.  Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others."

Just like Barney, Aaron, Mordecai and Silas - we must realize this isn't OUR story.  The story we're here on Earth to be part of - is His story - and how big a part we get to play, is really up to us and our willingness to step back, and let Him take the lead role.

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