There’s nothing more irritating than people who think they are indispensable in the workplace or in ministry. We used to have a couple of guys at work who would say things like, “The company would go under if they lost us!” Well, guess what? Not long after that both of those guys ere gone and the company thrived.
I’ve seen people get high-minded in ministry as well. Some people really think that God’s people will really suffer if they aren’t around to do the work they do. But God is not at a loss for servants. If one refuses to carry out His will, He can easily raise up another.
It would be good for all of us to realize that, whether in the workplace or in ministry, our shoes are not that difficult to fill.
That’s not to take away from the fact that each individual is incredibly valuable in the sight of God. As a father, I can relate to this. When I say that I love my kids, its not a blanket statement like when I say, “I love twinkles,” because in that sense, any twinkie will do. But I love each of my kids individually. I cannot give the love I have for Angel to Elijah, because that love is for her. I already have specific love directed at Elijah, which belongs to him and him alone. The same goes for each of the other kids.
In the same way, it is also true that I desire each of them to love me in return. None of them can love me for the others. Elijah cannot give me the love I desire from Angel, and vice versa. I love each of my kids specifically, and I desire each of them to love me back. They are all indispensable to me.
But you know what? When I need to get some chores done around the house, I can use any one of them I want.
God’s love for us is like that. He created each of us individually, and the love He has for us and desires from us is specific to each person. Each of us is irreplaceable in one sense, because God loves us individually. But God can use anyone He chooses to carry out His will.
So lets not get too cocky or think too highly of ourselves in our ministry. Be confident in your relationship with your Father, but stay humble and grateful that He chooses to use you, wherever that may be.