Running Errands

“All we are is messengers, errand runners from Jesus for you.” (2 Corinthians 4:5 MSG)

I routinely run errands for my family. On any given day, I may go to the supermarket to buy food items, to the pharmacy and pick up medicines, to the post office to mail a package, to the library to return books, to the bank to deposit a check, to Goodwill to drop off old clothes, etc. I am privileged to have the time to do these things. It makes life easier for my family. The tasks themselves may not be significant, but my reason for doing them is meaningful.

“Don't even run little errands that are connected with that old way of life.” (Romans 6:13 MSG) 

Every day is filled with tasks--some seem mundane while others feel important. We often assess the significance of our work by the amount of validation it receives. If we get paid, praised, or appreciated for what we do,  it seems worthy. When our motivation comes from external validation, we are more likely to choose conspicuous projects while ignoring low-profile missions. This worldly perspective focuses on the notability of the task rather than the reason for doing it. St. Paul warns us against running errands that are connected with this old way of life. He reminds us that we are errand runners from Jesus for His purposes. This new perspective influences us to look at everything differently. We realize we are not meant to seek attention or pad our own egos. Motivated by this higher purpose, we seek God’s glory--not our own. The tasks themselves may be humble, but our reasons for doing them are monumental. As messengers, representatives, and gofers for Christ, we have the privilege of assisting God to fulfill His mission. And we do not take this grace lightly!