Read: Romans 12:9-21
Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. (v. 10)
President John F. Kennedy visited the NASA space center shortly after declaring his goal of putting a man on the moon. He was asking different employees about their jobs when he came upon a man carrying a broom sweeping a hallway. “What are you doing? What’s your job?” Kennedy asked. “Well, Mr. President, I’m helping put a man on the moon!” the man replied before resuming his duties. He understood his small but important role in a much bigger project. There are unknown or often unrecognized tasks but no unimportant ones!
I serve with some incredibly gifted people in my smaller church, and I love what they bring to the ministry. But the people who make it work are the ones who will do whatever it takes to make it work. You won’t often find these people’s names on the back of the bulletin, but you’ll find them in the “Frequently Contacted” file on my phone.
“You can’t serve where you’re gifted until you’re willing to serve where you’re needed.” I learned that phrase from Ned Beadel, my predecessor at our church, and it rings in my mind when I catch myself thinking that the lead pastor at the church shouldn’t be moving tables or vacuuming floors. Our passage for today reminds us that while we give honor to each other, what we are truly doing in that moment is serving the Lord. You might think you’re only cleaning a bathroom. You’re bringing the kingdom of God! —Joel Plantinga
As you pray, ask God to keep your heart open to serving anywhere.
About the Author
Rev. Joel Plantinga has now been in full-time pastoral ministry for more than 20 years. He serves as the Lead Pastor of Desert Winds Community Church (RCA) in Palmdale, California, and is married to Teresa with children Noah, Eden, and Rachel.
