(Judges 8:1-3) Then the men of Ephraim said to Gideon, “What is this thing that you have done to us, not calling upon us when you went to fight against Midian?” And they quarreled with him vehemently. 2 But he said to them, “What have I done now in comparison with you? Is the gleaning of the grapes of Ephraim not better than the vintage of Abiezer? 3 God has handed over to you the leaders of Midian, Oreb and Zeeb; and what was I able to do in comparison with you?” Then their anger toward him subsided when he said that.
TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:
These 3 verses have a lot to say about relationships, as well as serving God and one another! And I would say that the theme here is how we allow our feelings to drive our behavior, but this is not God's way. As everything should be done with God's (agape, selfless, sacrificial) love as our motive, we need to know that this is not a feeling. This "love" is a verb. It is a choice to "do", not because we feel it, but because we should. And when we ask God to fill us with His love, and ask Him to help us love others as we should... God will answer this prayer!
Okay, so what about feelings! We see that the men of Ephraim felt slighted that they were not called to the battlefield. Not just slighted, they were downright angry and vehemently arguing! Their motives could have ranged anywhere from "I just wanted to do my part to help" to "I really wanted the glory and the honor!" These can all come out of the sin of pride. Although wanting to do one's part is a very excellent thing, and this sentiment can be very sincere, it can also be sincerely misguided. Therefore, it can still be about one's pride.
When we let pride lead our feelings and expectations, we might take on a role for which we are not equipped. So we have to figure out which spiritual gifts we have been given, and where we are actually talented. This is not all that difficult to do. Basically, what are we good at? And what do we enjoy doing?
This does not mean that we won't be nervous or afraid to try serving in a particular ministry. That is not a valid excuse, as again, this would be allowing one's feelings to guide us. Take the opportunity and ask God to give us His strength and wisdom. And if we are serving somewhere and we're suddenly not feeling the joy or love in the task, ask Him to do it FOR us, since it is the Lord who supplies us with joy and love! Even when we serve others, we really are serving the Lord, first and foremost!
We also have to realize that we or someone else might not be excellent at a particular role - yet, because we all have to start somewhere. Although it will be evident if we show propensities towards different things - or not. So, let's be gracious towards one another as we gain experience, and/or make a few mistakes, because we all do and we all will. And if we do try something, and we are told that it isn't quite our thing, we shouldn't be insulted. (ugh, like we see in American Idol when someone is told that they are not good enough and some responses are something like, "What?! But my mom tells me all the time that I'm the best EVER!!!" Right? Because what do the experts know???)
Also, we have to be open to where God is calling us. When we ask the Lord to guide us to these things, it will become very obvious what we should be doing. There are people who will see a need for such-and-such a ministry! Instead of complaining about it, or insisting that someone get that started - pray about it! God might just be prompting and calling YOU to get that started, since you saw that need in the first place. And if you are to do it, God will equip you and the ministry with whatever is needed.
And now regarding Gideon's thoughtful, wise and very true response to those men! It doesn't matter if a ministry or a role isn't at the forefront for people to notice. Every role and task is valuable and necessary. Seriously! Thank you to all those who clean church toilets!!! I have done this ministry before. It can be "scary", although I get great satisfaction in seeing something clean! Nothing is "small" in God's eyes when we are doing these things with love, and to His glory and honor!!!
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