Sam Nunn served as the Senator from Georgia for twenty-four years. After he announced that he wouldn’t seek re-election, reporters wanted to know what he considered his greatest accomplishment during those years. He surprised them when he said keeping his family together and helping his wife raise two wonderful children was his most important accomplishment.
When a reporter scoffed and asked more directly what laws he got passed, the retiring senator paused. He answered with a story about his daughter and her friends starting an organization called “Hands on Atlanta.” They wanted to make volunteering to help those in need fun, efficient, and exciting for young people. After just five years, 10,000 volunteers rendered about 20,000 hours of one-on-one service each month. Senator Nunn asked, “What laws have I passed that have had this impact?”
The senator explained that while Congress can pass laws, attempting to change behavior, they cannot instill, influence, and nurture values like a parent can. For example, Congress can pass laws to protect civil rights and promote equal rights, but they cannot force people of different races to love each other. He concluded that his most important accomplishment came down to personal responsibility for those he could directly influence. How he led and cared for others affected how they led and cared for others and so on. Senator Nunn was a man who understood his greatest job.
Prior to the crucifixion of Christ Jesus, Peter denied knowing the Lord. In John 21, we find Christ returning to the shores of the Galilee for fellowship with His frightened disciples. In verses 15-16, He confronts Peter with specific questions about his allegiance and the depth of his love for the Savior. Jesus responds to Peter by telling him to feed, take care of, and tend His sheep. These verses are metaphors given to illustrate the importance of a total commitment of love and service to others, especially those who are family and close friends. It appears that Jesus was saying, “Be devoted to the Lord’s service and care for your flock. Continually feed, encourage, and nurture those for whom you are responsible. That’s your job. That’s the job I’ve given you to do. Come along beside them; give them what they need. Point them in My direction.”
Many people have important jobs that make big differences in the world, help others, prevent tragedy, or form our communities, but I can think of no greater honor or reward than to assume the responsibility of inspiring others. Jesus modeled this with His disciples. Now, we are given this opportunity with others, especially as parents. Our greatest job is the one that starts at home, living out our faith, modeling our values, and taking up the responsibility of leadership for our loved ones.
Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 6:4-9
Personal Application: How do you live out your faith in front of others? Many of us find great satisfaction in our jobs, and many others simply work to put food on the table. Either way, earning a paycheck and saving for the future are important. But don’t lose sight of your greatest investments. If you are a parent, take to heart what Chuck Swindoll said: “Each day of our lives we make deposits in the memory banks of our children.” What deposits have you made today?
Jim Grassi, D. Min.
We cherish any verse in Scripture that reminds us to keep focused and intentional about evangelism and discipleship. “But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:5