Day 32: Service vs. Spiritual Gift

“Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee . . .” 1 Tim. 4:14.

For us, Sunday always came early. In fact, Sunday began on Saturday evening around 6. As such, whatever social event we were at had to be over by 4pm, or we left (except in very rare cases) – because Sunday began at 6. How, you may ask? It was because 6pm was when we met at our termite-infested, carpet-less, wooden chapel half the size of any one of GBC’s modular buildings. We met for Sunday School prep classes, but more importantly to sweep, dust, clean, and set up for Sunday services. Everyone chipped in, from toddlers to seniors, and there was enough for everyone to do; after all, we were a congregation of just about 15 people. We were highly motivated and enjoyed every bit of it. We were led by our multi-tasking pastor who was preacher, drummer, choirmaster and, yes, co-janitor. When that pastor left, we had a fill-in pastor who once remarked that he, as pastor, could not be expected to join us in cleaning the chapel. He was quickly reminded that it was his Father’s House, and he had better join in!

Is cleaning churches a spiritual service, or is cleaning a spiritual gift? Let me share the thoughts of the Psalmist with you: “I would rather be a doorkeeper in the House of my God . . .” Psalm 84:10b. See also his plans for the Temple in 2 Sam. 7:1-3. There is also the colloquial saying that “cleanliness is next to Godliness.” I submit that cleaning is a service and a spiritual gift - whether in the Church, at home, helping others out, or as a part of the CARE Ministry. It is bearing (good) fruit and doing what our Lord would do. It could even extend to helping others clear out emotional or spiritual garbage from their lives. And, it is rewarding. The most rewarding job I have held in recent years was being a church custodian - a happy doorkeeper in God’s House!

Each of us is equipped with at least one gift by our Father: let us use such for His glory. Should you be unaware of your particular gift, there are people and resources that can help you discover and nurture gifts. May God bless you as you serve: Amen. Let me close with these words from our Lord: “I cannot but do the work of Him who sent Me”; “My Father works, so I work”; “The Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve and to give His life for many”; and, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.”

~Ayo Durojaiye