Just Doing Your Job: The Value of Mundane Faithfulness

Just how valuable is mundane faithfulness? The day-to-day routine seems so monotonous. Does what I do and how I do it really matter?

Just a Couple of Nurses

If it were not for Shiphrah and Puah, Moses would not have survived to lead his people out of bondage (Exodus 1:15–22). Who were Shiphrah and Puah? Just two Hebrew women doing their daily nine-to-five or whatever the hours were as enslaved people in ancient Egypt. They were healthcare professionals, ethical and principled. When the government required them to violate their convictions, these two women did not back down. They feared God more than Pharaoh. They obeyed instead of capitulating to the pressure. As a result, God remembered Shiphrah and Puah and listed their names in Exodus 1:15.

Just a Mom

If it were not for Jochebed, Moses might have died among the crocodiles of the Nile (Exodus 2:1–10). Who was Jochebed? Moses’ mother. If Pharaoh demanded that all baby boys be thrown in the river, then her son would float in a basket, not drown…with his sister nearby…ready to rescue him…or suggest a nurse who might just happen to be ready to breastfeed him…with very little interruption from his little Nile cruise. Jochebed was just a mother, doing her duty. Yet, God honored her as an example of faith in Hebrews 11:23.

Just a Slave Girl

If it were not for a little slave girl, the Syrian general would have died a leper (2 Kings 5). But why should she care? His army had killed her people and captured her. She now worked as a housemaid for the enemy’s wife. Yet, she did her work and earned their trust. When she spoke, her masters listened. As a result, General Naaman not only survived leprosy but later said, “Now I know that there is no God in all the earth, but in Israel” (2 Kings 5:15).

Just a Brother

If it were not for Andrew, the apostle Peter might never have met Jesus (John 1:37–41). But Andrew had found the One he had been seeking and quickly shared the news with his brother: “’We have found the Messiah’ (which is translated, the Christ).” Peter followed Christ with all his might. While Andrew disappeared into obscurity, his brother rose to lead the early Jewish believers and became the first to preach the gospel to the Gentiles.

Just a Disciple of Jesus

If it were not for Ananias, the apostle Paul would have had no one to guide him after meeting Christ on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:10–22). The believers feared Paul (then called Saul) as a persecutor of the church. At great personal risk, Ananias obeyed and took God’s message to Saul. Who was Ananias? Just “a certain disciple” in a Syrian city (Acts 9:10). He seems like an ordinary church member. Yet, God used him as an important cog in the providential machinery through which God prepared the greatest missionary of the early church.

Just a Sunday School Teacher

If it were not for Edward Kimball, evangelist D. L. Moody may never have led thousands to Christ across the United States and Great Britain. Who was Edward Kimball? Young Moody’s Sunday school teacher in Boston. Kimball not only taught in the church but he also pursued Moody to the shoe shop where he worked. This month, I saw the plaque in Boston commemorating the shoe shop where Kimball led Moody to Christ.

Just the Conclusion

God works through the mundane faithfulness of believers like you and me. In His eyes, a couple of midwives in ancient Egypt deserve public commendation for just doing their jobs. A woman belongs in the “hall of faith” for being a faithful mom. A slave girl is honored in Scripture for doing what her own nation failed to do—inviting Gentiles to come and see the greatness of the one true God of Israel. Brothers being brothers and disciples following Jesus are instruments in God’s hands to accomplish His purposes.

So, whatever you are doing today, do it well for God (1 Corinthians 10:31). Where you are is where He is working. If you are tempted to say, “I’m just a . . .” Stop right there. There is no “just” with God. Who you are and what you do matters to Him. God values mundane faithfulness.

Read more about the value of mundane faithfulness in the life of missionary Mary Slessor in my missions devotional, Daring Devotion: A 31-Day Journey with those who Lived God’s Promises. Read more about D. L. Moody in the sequel, Daring Dependence, A 31-Day Journey with those who Found their Strength in God.