When the call came for help, I cringed. I did NOT want to help in junior church! I am already on a rotating schedule to teach and have finally acclimated my teaching to fit the younger age of the group.I look forward to the Sundays
My husband is still pastoring part-time as the meddling, I mean mentoring pastor, so I still hold that title but have gladly given over the front seat to our new (can I still refer to them as new after four years?) and younger pastor and wife.
I even called another person to be the helper and she gladly volunteered which only added to my feeling of guilt for my bad attitude—she’s a fairly new believer! I wonder if this is how King David felt as he sat in the palace instead of heading off to war (2 Samuel 11)? Look where that got him!
So, this Sunday morning, after a wonderful time of conversing with my Lord, I had my act together and was ready to serve with joy instead of drudgery. Maybe I’m too transparent. Maybe none of you ever feel that way. I hope I’m not disappointing you with my humanity, but there is another silver lining to this scenario besides the fact that I did surrender to God’s will. Joy. Joy! JOY!
This morning’s time with God’s people was sheer pleasure! Being with them, worshiping with them, sharing my music with them, listening to the Bible taught in Sunday school and taking part in the discussion, sharing burdens, giving advice, and, yes, helping in junior church. Every activity filled my “I want to be like Jesus” cup!
It doesn’t take a college degree to do any of the things I did this morning. You don’t even have to be smart! Thank God!! I am definitely NOT the sharpest tool in the shed. (Do you realize how many of these wonderful antidotes young people DON’T know?! My grandkids know them! LOL!)
But, it does take a willing heart. We recently watched season four, episode four of “The Chosen.” The disciples and Jesus are asked to carry the Roman soldiers’ gear. One of the soldiers mockingly puts his helmet on Jesus’ head, and a disciple wants to remove it but Jesus stops him. When they reach the mile marker, the disciples lay down their loads. By law, they were only required to carry for that distance. But Jesus keeps walking. He then speaks those humbling words, “And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two…That you may be the sons of your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:41, 45a). In other words, that we would be acting like God’s children ought to act and show this lost world what it really means to be a follower of Jesus Christ! OUCH!
Well, if I stepped on your toes, welcome and join me in the “Bloody Toes Club!” Seriously, I came home with so much joy in my heart!!! Oh, if I can only hold on to this feeling when the next “unlovely” task comes my way! Can you see the young person’s beaming face for a job well done? That joy of doing right isn’t just for little kids—it’s for every child of God!
Beyond Common Sense 