Are You Capable and Can You Be Trusted?

This morning I ran across an article from 1960 commemorating my grandfather’s 40 years of service at what was then the world’s largest oil refinery, Esso, Baton Rouge.  His bosses reported:

“He seems able to cope with almost any situation, no matter how critical. He has a level head, practical manner, and I think he is one of our most valuable employees. He is looked up to by his fellow employees as a sort of ‘grand old man’ around the units. Everyone likes Mr. Willie.” 

The Bible speaks of men like Willie Wales, men “able to cope with almost any situation, no matter how critical.” 

“These were capable men employed in the ministry of God’s temple … The total number of those chosen to be gatekeepers at the thresholds was 212….  David and Samuel the seer had appointed them to their trusted positions” 1 Chronicles 9:13 and 22.

My mother says when she thinks of her father-in-law, she thinks of the old cliché that says “he’s a doorkeeper in the house of the Lord.”  That comes from this chapter of 1 Chronicles where it is repeated over and over in what might otherwise be another “dull” chapter filled with genealogies. 

What is interesting about that is that these roles were passed down from generation to generation.  What does that mean for you and me? It means that there is value in your Christian heritage. Perhaps if your father and mother are capable people, serving the church with good judgment and hard work for decades, then you too will “be a doorkeeper in the House of the Lord.” And for those without such a history, focus on the future: if you are faithful with your life, it will bless those who come after you.

May each of us remember those who have come before.  Remember those who have cultivated and nurtured your faith. Pray for them. Thank God for them. And as Paul says, “imitate their faith.”  Grow, like Jesus, “in wisdom and in stature.” And God will give your life meaning by giving you greater purpose and a greater opportunity to serve His Kingdom.

“Only one life, ‘twill soon be passed. 

Only what’s done for Christ will last.”

—C.T. Studd

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