"That's not my job!"

A number of years ago, I worked at a church where the janitor was watched like a hawk! If he didn't do everything, everyone thought he was supposed to, he would get in trouble. I can tell you from personal experience that it's difficult sometimes to have well over 100 bosses. 

I remember once (but it happened often), that a half eaten cupcake was hidden under one of the pews and rather than picking it up, the watchdog group checked each week to see if it was still there. In retrospect, I wish I had picked it up myself or told them to do it. I was fearful of what they might do or that I would get in trouble since I was just the youth director. Since that time, I have paid closer attention to the "that's not my job" mentality that can get in the way of important relationship building. What if we saw what needed to be done and just did it? 

"I am reminded of the good words of Acts 2, ""Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. All who believed had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people." 

..."the goodwill of all the people." What a great way to live life! I hope I pay closer attention to the Holy Spirit's stirrings in me to have "the goodwill of all the people" - even beyond my own fears, even beyond my comfort, even when it gets me in trouble....

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