It seems gone are the days when you discovered you had this particular gift and that was that. True we have all been given gifts that tie in with who we are and how God has made us, yet we have this other thing called responsibility.
As a Jonah its quite easy for me to say, "Well I don't have the gift of helps or service, so therefore I can stand back and let those who do have this gift do the dirty work." Yet this sort of attitude is not likely to go down well with people - particularly with the wife! As she is a raging Martha!
UNIVERSAL CHRISTIAN RESPONSIBILITIES AT HOME
Marriage is one area where you quickly learn about responsibility, and while its not rocket science, for some it is. I have learned this over a period of 7 years and I am still counting! In fact I think a degree in rocket science is probably easier than marriage!
I have learned a lot about my wife, Tammy, when I have and have not engaged in Universal Christian Responsibilities (I will call them UCR's) at home.
I have also learned the difference between frustration and deflation caused by my lack of UCR activity, compared to the encouragement, relief, and elevation of burden my engagement with them has brought.
If I had of sat back and expected Tammy to do all the work during the final stages of her pregnancy in the area's I am not particularly "gifted in", then it would have been irresponsible of me.
Because one, I would have not taken her obvious limitations in to consideration, and two, I would be taking her talents for granted and neglecting certain needs that needs to be done. I don't like washing up, washing, vacuuming; I don't like ironing ... but I made a significant effort to see what is needing to be done and to do those things I despise in order to make life a little easier for her.
In relation to my starting point, which is perception, I can see what needs to be done. Then I test it out. "The washing up needs to be done, do I leave it or do I wash it? What could happen if I don't do it? Well the pile will grow and if I have not done it, or if I don't do it, eventually there will be no cutlery or crockery for us to be able to eat, and no pots or pans to cook with.
This will cause frustration, anxiety, and tension. Tammy and I are likely to argue, and therefore, no one wins. We all miss out and no one is happy, so who wants that? So wash up!"
I agree the washing up must be done. Then I plan out how I do it. How I do it doesn't matter in this case, but I do organise my washing up. I see the importance of it and do what is most important first. If its plates and cutlery we need more than pots and pans, wash the plates first. Now I am sounding domesticated!
I do it and surprise, surprise, the experience of doing it has brought about much peace, relief, and laughter, and it has gained me time. There is time for family, friends, recreation and ministry. It has gained for me, not lost for me, and other people have gained as well.
THE BENEFITS OF PRACTICING UCR's
It's like that with anything else, including church. So far, I do all the house work, and Tammy is feeling a tone better about herself and about life in general. And so do I. I have learned, be it some what the hard way, that doing this all the time, not just when the time calls for it or when I feel like being nice, is quite beneficial. Tammy is not expecting me to do all the house work all the time, but to make a conscious effort of doing as much as I can to help out, even just the little things.
I realise if I am not engaging with my UCR's around the home, you can pretty much guarantee that my effectiveness with ministry and church is going to be no better off. I have learned that it actually enhances the ministry I do and not impede it. There is probably no greater validation for it actually.
Now for single people, this probably sounds like it does not apply. Yet you can see clearly even then, if you decided not to do the washing up or washing because you were not gifted in that area, you would be malnourished and a tad smelly. If you have a flat mate, chances of having a peaceful co-existence is quite low.
UCR's AT CHURCH AND BEYOND
If you transfer that over to the church and then all of a sudden expected only those with the gift of evangelism to go out and spread the good news, the chances of any community outreach are going to be slightly hindered. They are not always going to be able to reach everyone. If we want our friends to know about the good news, we are their primary contact source and link to God.
I recently heard a great woman preach a sermon at our church who reflected on her time at Bible College. She recalled of her surprise of seeing an old school mate and peer at the college, who at school was a little off the rails. This old school mate asked her, "were you a Christian at High School?”
To which she replied, "yes …” Her friend then said, "Well how come you didn't tell about Jesus?”
Just like the frustration that brews when people who do have the gift of evangelism and fail to help out from time to time, to help make life a little easier for others, the same frustration brews with those who fail to do their responsibilities in sharing the gospel. After all, Jesus did ask every one to do so. And the short comings of it all is that if we don't share our faith, people miss out, just as if no one helps.
Of course, there is the danger of gift projection, and those with the gift of evangelism should not jump up and down at people who are not natural evangelists. However, they can help those who do not know how to do it or who have trouble with sharing their faith, by advising people with tips and angles of how to go about it.
Just like those who do have the gift of helps should not jump up and down with people who would not naturally think to help out. Not because they are being negligent or inconsiderate, but possibly because they are either busy in conversation and doing what comes naturally to them. Who knows, they could be evangelists who are talking to new people who have just come to church. Generally all that is needed is, "If you're not busy, would you mind helping me with this please?”
But it's always a good exercise and discipline to look around and see a need, and extend a hand where it is possible. I have seen the relief on the face of people when I have helped packed away the chairs, or helped clean up after a church function. To me, wiping down the tables is nothing but a mere effort in the end, but to those people running the catering and the set up and everything else, it is everything. It is one less thing they have to worry about, and it also sees to it that they're not missing out on any potential good times.
And here is the glowing benefit of UCR's right there, one less thing to worry about, makes life easier for everyone, and brings potential good times. And it sees to it that no one is missing out.
Scripture Relflections:
Galations 6 : 9 - 10 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. (NIV)
1 Thessalonians 4 : 11 - 12 Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody. (NIV)