Plumbers of Men
So, I joked the other morning to one of my roommates that when the World Race is over, I could just become a plumber. This comment came after filling the back of the toilet with water for about the hundredth time. In our green house here in San Juan, we not only have learned what it means to take a bucket shower (of which I have become a pro!), but we now also are quite clear about what “bucket flushing” entails. Thirty people sharing two bathrooms quickly forces you to rid yourself of modesty, but also when a toilet breaks, not fixing it right away is not an option! So as I walked to the back porch to refill the bucket with water from the hose, a thought popped in my head…I think some Christians are called to be Plumbers of Men.
Peter was called to be a Fisher of Men. Jesus asked him to stop fishing in the ocean and begin fishing on land for the lost souls of the world. Today we call those like Peter evangelists who boldly bring the gospel to unreached parts of the world, or even to their next door neighbors. Regardless of social status, physical condition, race, etc, the free gift of salvation can be offered to anyone, and anyone who calls on the name of the Lord can receive salvation and enter the Kingdom of God. This is Good News, right?…Yes, but once someone says yes to Jesus, then what?
Cue the plumbers. These are the missionaries who are meant to minister to believers. They come along side those who have already given their hearts to Jesus and help in the sanctification process….the cleaning out of hearts, per se. They have a way of helping to unclog the paths that are meant to lead to further revelation and freedom in Christ, but because of life’s messiness those paths have become impassable. I believe the Lord calls some to be these Plumbers of Men and equips them with the tools necessary to encourage, challenge, and free believers from past wounds, deep roots of sin, and lies from the enemy.
Saying “yes” to Christ is incredible…but it is just the beginning. That “yes” to Christ now means that you must face the darkness and sin on the other side of the line that you just crossed, and finding a good plumber is essential! I have had many plumbers in my life. The most recent knew he had work to do in my heart, and it hurt like you know what most of the time. But through his patience and use of his knowledge of his calling, my heart was cleaned out and roots were uprooted. The difference it has made in my life has been significant. Is the process finished? Not in the least, but I know that soon enough the Lord will bring another plumber into my life who will pick up where the last stopped.
I believe we’re all called to play a role in the kingdom of god. Fishers and Plumbers play two very different roles and produce two very different outcomes, but they are two very big callings! I think I am a plumber in training. Two weeks in the Domincan has shown me that I am more comfortable and feel like I am being used more when playing the role of a plumber, but being put in the shoes of a Fisher certainly increases my respect for those who put their reputations on the line to win people for Heaven.
