I Can Patch Your Wall

My friend just castrated a bull calf for the first time. She’s an amazing inspiration of ambition and confidence. She posted a G-rated picture that made me laugh (mostly because her husband happens to be looking away). Then, the strangest thought ran through the back of my mind, “I should learn how to castrate a bull.”

What?! Ideas like this have often surfaced in my thoughts. We have friends who make their own deodorant, those who raise chickens, those who garden, lay tile, can food, etc. I respect the skills they have mastered. I typically don’t question myself as to why I feel inclined to pursue the same knowledge because the fruit of the labor is obvious. But, castrate a bull? I don’t plan on raising cattle, so unless it all “hits the fan,” why do I want to learn this?

Because I don’t trust those in the body of Christ to share their knowledge and the fruit of their labor. 

Ouch. Let me say quickly, this has nothing to do with my talented friends. If I had a bull that needed castrating or my armpits were smelly, I’d have friends here tomorrow to help solve the issues. I think the thought simply put a mirror in front of my own face. Am I willing to share the skills I possess with the body of Christ? Do I serve anyone but myself?

I can refinish a hardwood floor. I can lay carpet. I can repair plaster walls (or knock one down). I can grow a tomato and lay tile. But when’s the last time I’ve done one of these tasks for another believer? Never.

There’s the typical excuse of not having enough time, but I’m not sure how well that defense will hold up if Christ ever questions me on it. Then there’s the schooling I completed that instilled this incredibly independent attitude. Then, there’s selfishness and pride mixed with this weird feeling that the knowledge should be protected and yours alone-every man for himself.

Then there’s scripture. We know the example set by the church in the book of Acts. “Independent” would be the last words I would use to describe one of these believers. Why do I feel greedy with my knowledge? How ludicrous is this idea when it’s actually dissected? What picture am I painting of Christ as a result?

Many of us make a living based on the skills we have attained. That’s great, but what about the sharing part? Ephesians 4:28, “He who steals must steal no longer; but rather he must labor, performing with his own hands what is good, so that he will have something to share with one who has need.”

Sharing your finances is easy-a blessing to many, necessary, but rather simple. Sharing your life is much harder.