August 11
Scripture: 1 Tim 1:12
Source author: Pat Stockett Johnston
August 11
“It’s Not Fair!” I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength to do his work. He considered me trustworthy and appointed me to serve him. —1 Timothy 1:12
It wasn’t fair! I’d been assigned the lowliest, least pleasant job on my church’s Saturday workday list—deep-cleaning the bathrooms. And not just the women’s side either. Those yucky men’s stalls were included in my job assignment. Plus I had to endure the overpowering smell of the chemicals in the cleaning supplies. I didn’t care if I was the pastor’s wife. I felt irritated and resentful. As I begrudgingly headed for the bathroom, supplies in tow, I heard the Spirit’s gentle chiding. “Your spirit isn’t pleasing to me, Pat. You need an attitude change. You have forgotten that God loves a cheerful giver—in your case, time donated in His name means you need to cheerfully complete this least desired task.” “Thank you, God, for reminding me whom I serve.” I scrubbed those bathrooms until they sparkled that day. I went home amazed at how satisfying volunteering for God with a cheerful spirit could be. Even when it includes cleaning the bathrooms.
May God teach us to enjoy serving others as a sign of our love for Him. — Pat Stockett Johnston —