When I was about 12 years old I had my very own, real newspaper route. It was an exciting, rewarding job that taught many valuable life lessons, like which dogs to avoid. (It was always the little ones that nipped your heels.) Now, I didn’t create the news, I just delivered it to all who subscribed to receive it.

During the week I delivered the “Oregon Journal,” an afternoon paper, and on Sunday morning at oh-dark-thirty, “The Oregonian.” Back then the papers would be delivered to my home where I rubber-banded them, stuffed them into my paper bag, and after draping the bag over the handlebars of my blue, five speed Schwinn away I went to deliver the news.

It took a while, but eventually I could sling the papers with precision to land on the porches of my customers. However, some were specific and asked me to place the newspaper on the porch or in the paper holder. It seems they didn’t want to retrieve a wet paper, or have their screen door damaged. Go figure. On occasion I would get a new customer added to my route and sometimes others would cancel their subscription. I guess not everyone wants to read the news.

As Christ’s followers we have the privilege of delivering the good news of God’s love for all. Sure, there is preparation, but a beautiful result of walking with Jesus is that it gets easier to share the good news with joy. And it helps when we remember Jesus, not us, is the good news. Doing so helps us to respectfully deliver the gospel by our words, and more importantly, by our lives. As we get more comfortable delivering the news some will want to know more about Jesus and receive His saving news. When that happens, love them and praise God! But don’t be discouraged when others bark at you with their words, and nip at you by refusing the gospel. That’s okay, love them anyway. Keep living and delivering the good news! Because it is about Jesus and His love for you. It is His news that brings joy.

Pastor Jim Bollin