Fungible
Fungible. This was another new word to me this year. The
definition – just in case its new word to you as well – "able to replace
or be replaced by another identical item, mutually interchangeable."
Between family and friends I know quite a few sets of twins. Some are
identical, some are not. My sisters and I have often been mistaken for twins
even into adulthood and we aren't even that close in age. I don't understand
people's misconception of being a twin to one of my sisters, but I do
understand that we and every single set of twins I know, are different. Each
one is an individual person with his or her own thoughts and feelings. Each one
is irreplaceable and can't simply be exchanged for the other.
There are a lot of people who feel that way when it comes to
their jobs. They think if they don't show up for work one day, another person
will be waiting in line to pick up the slack and keep things moving seamlessly.
While this may be somewhat true for many jobs, it's still not a great feeling.
We have a desire to feel wanted and needed. And there's nothing wrong with
that. Knowing your efforts are appreciated as a good feeling.
Unfortunately this is not only a problem for many people in
the workplace, it is also a problem for people in ministry regardless of their
position. You may perceive pastors as the only truly important position in the
church, but how wrong that is! Yes, pastors are integral to a church, but so
are the Sunday school teachers, the nursery workers, the greeters. Each person
in any position in the church has the potential to draw someone in or push
someone out.
We once visited the church and no one knew what to do with
our kids. That turned us off, and we never returned. I know a couple who never
visited a church after a female greeter told the visiting husband to make sure
his wife wore a slip next time. First impressions mean a lot.
We can get burned out and discouraged while serving the
Lord. We may often feel as if nothing we do makes a difference. We may feel
that anyone can do what we do. But that's simply not true. While someone may be
able to perform the same tasks, they can't necessarily do it the way you do it.
There is one woman in our church who sends out cards. Yes, pretty much anyone
can send out a card, but not many people can include the sweet and heartfelt
notes she does. It's her touch that makes the difference.
The next time you are feeling discourage and think that you
are fungible, remember that in God's eyes you are unique and one-of-a-kind. He
didn't create doubles of people because He didn't need doubles. He needed you,
and He has a plan that only you can fulfill.
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