Enter, my friend Jim. He would unceremoniously volunteer his
life verse to anyone who ask. It was 1 Chronicles 26:18, “At Parbar westward, four at the causeway and two at Parbar” (KJV).
Now that’s a show stopper! Incidentally, It is often touted as one of the most
obscure verses in Scripture. It is found in the middle of the area designations
for the porters (gatekeepers) during King David’s reign. No one seems to know what
or where Parbar refers to. It is often translated “court” in other translations
like the NIV.
So what’s the big deal? Why is it even there? It shows us
the importance of the individual. Each porter had a place and a certain job to
do. On the surface it doesn’t seem like much. Well, that’s until someone doesn’t
do their given job. Then it could be catastrophic. In war, just one weak spot
could spell disaster.
In Biology we talk about habitats and niches. A habitat is
where an organism lives. It could be in a tree, down a hole, under a rock, or
even in the water. For the Christian, habitat is merely a location. Our Great Commission
is valid anywhere we go. It’s our niche that is vitally important. A niche is
basically our job or jobs in our habitat. You can even fulfil several niches concurrently.
I am a father, a grandfather, a son, a brother, a husband and a teacher all at
the same time. The important thing is that I do the best job I can at whatever
I do. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a
pastor, a music leader, a mom, a dad, a brother, or even that favorite aunt
from Toledo. God has a plan for each of us. Big or small, our duty is to be
faithful. Moreover it is required in stewards that a man be found faithful 1
Corinthians 4:2 (NIV). Are you fulfilling your niche or just occupying your
habitat? Remember, there is no such thing as a small job in God’s Kingdom. All
He asks is that you faithfully do your best.
