I recently saw a waste
management truck which had the following phrase proudly painted on each side of
the truck in large letters, “We’re number one in the number two business!”
This waste management company
specializes in emptying and cleaning septic tanks. For those who might not
know, in some quarters of the United States, “number one” is a slang phrase for
urination while “number two” is slang for defecation. In the phrase painted on
the truck, the company is claiming to be “number one” at what they do. (A different use of the phrase, “number
one,” in this case meaning “the best.”)
What does this have to do with
this Christian blog? Well, these people are very proud that they do an
excellent job in this necessary occupation which is considered to be nasty and
unpleasant by most people. Other people may not understand but they can be glad
that someone does the job and does it well and proudly.
This is analogous to the Body
of Christ. Not everyone is in a glamorous or respected position but everyone is
necessary for the proper function of the Body of Christ.
“For
the body is not one member, but many. If the foot says, “Because I am not a
hand, I am not a part of the body,” it is not for this reason [a]any
the less a part of the body. And if the ear says, “Because I am not an
eye, I am not a part of the body,” it is not for this reason [b]any
the less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would
the hearing be? If the whole were hearing, where would the sense of smell be?
But now God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He
desired. If they were all one member, where would the body be? But now there
are many members, but one body.” 1 Corinthians 12:14-20 (NASB: New American
Standard Bible)
Not everyone is suited to be a medical
missionary in a hot steamy mosquito-infested jungle. Those who are called are
glad to do it.
Not everyone is suited to be a
missionary among violent urban gang members. Those who are called are glad to
do it.
Not everyone is suited to teach a
kindergarten Sunday School class every Sunday morning for forty-three years.
Those who are called are glad to do it.
The French Roman Catholic Nicholas
Herman (1605-1691) is better known as Brother Lawrence. Though he shunned
public life and lived as a lay brother in a monastery, he became known
worldwide for his piety and his “practice of the presence of the Lord.” He
cooked food and washed the monk’s dishes for God. When he became too feeble to
run a kitchen, he repaired the monk’s shoes for God. Everything he did he did
for “… God, who regards not the greatness of the work, but the love with which
it is performed.”
"Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31
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