CAREFUL CARE
Today's reading: 1 Chronicles 25-29

"Shelomoth and his relatives were in charge of the treasuries containing the gifts that King David, the family leaders, and the generals and captains and other officers of the army had dedicated to the Lord. These men dedicated some of the plunder they had gained in battle to maintain the house of the Lord. Shelomoth and his relatives also cared for the gifts dedicated to the Lord by Samuel the seer, Saul son of Kish, Abner son of Ner, and Joab son of Zeruiah. All the other dedicated gifts were in their care, too." 1 Chronicles 26:26-28 NLT

It's quite a long passage.

It's filled with names that are hard to pronounce.

It's from a portion of the Bible I sometimes have a hard time reading thoroughly.

But I needed what its words said today. I needed to be reminded of the privilege I have been given within the walls of His church. I needed the boost to my morale in regards to ministry opportunities that leave me exhausted and feeling like they make little impact.

You see, whether it's when I work with the littles or the adults, whether I am in charge of the church bank account or the church's toilet brush or vacuum, regardless of whether I am up front or behind the scenes, if I have a job within the church I have been given the responsibility of maintaining what's been dedicated to God--just like the men in this passage of Scripture.

I, too, am in charge of a portion of the treasuries that hold all the grand things placed into God's kingdom.

I hold the responsibility of caring for what's been entrusted to Him.

I get to administer grace and love to those who have been captured as plunder in great battles against our enemy. Battles for death and life. Wars waged in the hearts of men and women, boys and girls. Trophies of His greatness and encompassing mercy.

So I lift up my chin. I feel my backbone strengthen. I muster up the strength He provides for me to do it again today. I approach my post as child of God, member of His family, part of His local church and salt and light for the world with a renewed vigor and purpose. I can take careful care of His most prized possessions. 

I can do this. I can guard His treasures. I can show up for work. I can smile as I go about my Father's business!