Larry, Darryl, and Darryl

Larry Darryl Darryl

By: Waylon Bailey ~

I loved the Newhart show. That sitcom had an amazing number of characters, three of which were brothers named Larry, Darryl, and Darryl. Larry almost always spoke and introduced themselves in this way: “I’m Larry. This is my brother Darryl and this is my other brother Darryl.”

Whenever I think of Larry, Darryl, and Darryl, I also think of Christian ministry.

The apostle Paul – – the greatest missionary and theologian in the history of the Christian church – – told us to do everything we do for the glory of God.

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Colossians 3:17). He also called for Christian slaves to give their best for Christ. “Whatever you do, work at it with all you heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters” (Colossians 3:23)

As I think of these verses, I see two specific applications for my life.

First, don’t do anything unless you can do it and be pleasing to God. Everything we do should be for God. If we can’t do it for God, we shouldn’t do it.

This becomes a new and great way of understanding biblical ethics. Ask yourself penetrating questions. Will God be pleased with my thoughts or actions? Will they lift His name up before other people?

If I can’t do something and use the name of Jesus with it, should I be doing it at all?

I believe Paul wanted us to use this as a test for how we live.

Second, I see this as a call to do everything we do with excellence. That’s where Larry, Darryl, and Darryl come in. Those characters – – and they were real characters – – were part of a hilarious sitcom.

David Rockett and I have been working together for 27 years. For most of those years David led music and I preached the gospel.

I remember well the day that David and I talked about doing funerals. We agreed that doing our best would help the family as they grieved. If everything worked according to the family’s request and our plans, the family would have a sense that they were going to be fine.

I specifically remember David and I agreeing that we would not look like Larry, Curly, and Moe or like Larry, Darryl, and Darryl as we stood before the people.

In other words, we were going to do everything that we do as if we were doing it for Jesus Himself.

When we come to the end of our lives, will we be able to stand before God saying that we did everything in the name of the Lord Jesus?

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