Are you familiar with this poster, Dear Reader? If you’re the child of a World War II vet like I am, you’ve probably seen it somewhere along the way. Apparently, the image and straightforward message still resonates judging by the many derivations of it online.
Originally published during World War I, over four million copies of the Uncle Sam recruitment poster were printed and distributed around America. It was so successful, it was revised and used again during the World War II era.
I was surprised recently as I read translations of Jesus’ words to His apostles to see one translation’s use of the word, “recuit.” It gave me several new insights into the work for His Kingdom.
“The harvest is so great, and the workers are so few,” he told his disciples. “So pray to the one in charge of the harvesting, and ask him to recruit more workers for his harvest fields.”
Actually, Dear Reader, it was more than insights; it was more like lightning hit my brain and sparks began to fly.
Have you ever been part of a project team for an event, perhaps a PTO fundraiser, or family reunion? The job is too big for only a few workers: more help needs to be recruited. Have there been times, Dear Reader, when it was easier said than done?
Insight #1: We are not all gifted the same. (I know . . . DUH!) I’m beginning to understand the Lord sees the big picture, and knows the skill sets that will be needed to complete His perfect will with the greatest harmony and best outcome.
Insight #2: The Lord knows who to recruit by speaking into her spirit, far better than I do.
All these [gifts, achievements, abilities] are inspired and brought to pass by one and the same [Holy] Spirit, Who apportions to each person individually [exactly] as He chooses.
So far, so good, Dear Reader?
Unfortunately, even though I thought I knew and understood the first two insights, I really didn’t. We don’t always discern correctly the gifts God has placed in others. A person may do something well out of necessity or repetition. That doesn’t ensure God has anointed him with it as a way of serving others and bringing glory to His Kingdom. (e.g. washing dishes, doing laundry) As a result, joy in the doing may be lacking, or worse, there may be resentment attached to the task.
Until I read the Living Translation of Matthew’s scripture, I also wrongly thought the onus of recruitment for helpers was on me. Wrong again! According to Matthew’s gospel, Jesus said to pray for workers, not strong-arm or try to coerce. But God had more to teach me about recruitment.
Here it is, INSIGHT # 3 (the big takeaway for me): Size matters! Yep, that’s what I said. Not everyone’s plate is the same size, and as a dear friend pointed out, the size of our plates can change on a daily basis.
Some days I may have the Thanksgiving turkey sized plate, and on others it may be a demitasse saucer. Only the Lord can know the size of our plates, or the plates of others, in a given moment. And bonus Insight #4: no day is a good one to criticize the size of someone’s plate, even my own.
BOTTOM LINE: When I need help to complete a task, pray first. Don’t ask any and everyone, (whoever seems able and available), then be ticked off when I get turned down. When I intentionally step out of the way, the Lord will recruit the best person(s) for the team, helping ensure His will is accomplished, and all of us are blessed in the harvest.
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