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One of the least practiced verses of the Bible is Philippians 2:14: “Do
everything without complaining or arguing.” If we all practiced this
verse, the world would be a better place.
Many people accept tasks they are not suited for because they do not
want to admit they are not gifted or capable for the task. Once they
are asked, they begin to question their own self-worth if they say no.
They try to prove their value and their love by doing whatever they are
asked to do.
Unfortunately, other people cannot read their minds. Because they
eagerly accept responsibilities, more are given to them. Soon they are
laden down with endless tasks that they never wanted in the first
place. They try to do what they can, but because they are not gifted
for the job they find it easy to complain about being overworked and
lacking support. To further defend their self-esteem, they begin to
argue about how to get things done instead of leading others forward.
Churches, like most other institutions, must deal with people who are
trying to do things God never equipped them to do. People who are good
at leading worship or speaking in public are often voted into offices
better suited for thoughtful organizers who have little exposure in the
public service. Friendly people are often given leadership positions,
when in reality their spiritual gifts lie more in areas like hospitality
and encouraging others.
If Satan cannot get us to give up serving God, his next tactic may be to
try to get us to accept jobs and responsibilities we are not suited
for. If we fall for his trap, not only do we become discouraged, but we
also hinder the work of the Church by taking positions that others could
do much better.
We cannot effectively serve God unless we learn to say “no” to some
things. We fool ourselves if we believe we have all the spiritual gifts
needed for every task in the church. The Bible says that that Holy
Spirit gives gifts for service as He sees fit. We find peace and joy in
our work when we accept jobs that God has equipped us to do.
I have been privileged to work with many good church treasurers.
However, one of the wisest treasurers I ever worked with is the one that
resigned half way through her year of service. She had been elected
because she was honest, educated, and well liked. What we did not
realize at the time was that she was a people person but not an
organized person. She simply was not an analytical thinker. Columns of
numbers meant little too her.
At first, she acted fine with her new job as treasurer. Perhaps it
initially boosted her self-esteem to think that she had been chosen.
But soon the pressure of preparing financial reports she did not enjoy
and barely understood became a chore. It would have been easy for her
to complain about the workload or to argue about how it was to be
done. Instead, she simply walked into my office with the books and
resigned. A new treasurer was elected, life went on, and everyone was a
lot happier.
If we cannot do what we do without complaining or arguing, then either
we are in need of a spiritual renewal or we are trying to fill a role
God never intended for us. God never calls us to a task without giving
us the gifts to do it. Once we are where God wants us, instead of
complaining the task is too hard we should work at it with all our
heart, as working for the Lord, not for men. (Colossians 3:23 ).
Paul Jetter, Upper Valley Community Church |
