I was getting ready to catch a flight for a preaching engagement in Akwa Ibom State during the last weekend of August. I had vehicle parked but no one to drop me off at the airport and return the vehicle home. No driver was available, and our staff who is a utility hand that fills in on such occasions had travelled. I had to hitch-hike several rides to get to the airport. Barely two weeks after this, our domestic staff travelled. The following morning the taps were dry. I had no idea of where the switch to the pumping machine was, much less how to turn it on. While I have never looked down on anyone or level of work, the message became more ingrained that period that everyone is important in life. Incidentally, the meeting I went to was tagged A GRATEFUL HEART. Right on my way to the airport, the Holy Spirit brought to my understanding that the situation was arranged to engrave a lesson on gratitude. I was questioned whether I ever thanked God for the vehicles I use as well as those who handled them.
“The street sweepers, the traffic warden, the vendors who bring daily newspapers, and a thousand other seemingly insignificant jobs are truly the wheel of society. We must learn to respect them and thank God on their behalf.”
The temptation to take things and people for granted is rife. Yet, God’s word makes it plain that everything and everyone have their place. While writing on spiritual gifts, Paul taught the Corinthians to value all of them. Using body parts as an illustration, he observed that no part of the body is without its assigned function. Even those that do not immediately create visual appeal are essential and are well taken care of. This is how we should see everybody. The street sweepers, the traffic warden, the vendors who bring daily newspapers, and a thousand other seemingly insignificant jobs are truly the wheel of society. We must learn to respect them and thank God on their behalf.
