There I sat. In a metal folding chair, with 30 or so others, in a make-shift classroom that doubled as a fellowship hall and dance room. There was no fancy power point presentation, no whiteboard, no cell phone distraction, just a group of us in a room with poor acoustics listening to a Pastor that was passionate about growing disciples. That was when I first heard the words,
Although it was many years ago, I still remember it vividly. Other than that Pastor who said those wise words, I cannot give credit to any particular source. But I do believe it’s a common “parable” used within the church, and a cursory search returned a few other references of the same illustration. Suffice it to say, it’s not my original thought.
But it is such an important truth, it bears repeating.
Here’s my take on it.
BIB WEARERS
In all aspects of our lives, we witness individuals who wear bibs. That is to suggest, they are takers. They want to be “fed”, and more importantly, spoon-fed, which means they want to do little-to-no effort in order to receive the goods to which they feel entitled.
The image of a baby in a highchair comes to mind. They demand to be fed and are in no uncertain terms in control of the situation: they can either take what is offered, vehemently spit it back at you or just dribble it out of their mouth in a colored bubble of goo in that nonchalant, “I don’t care what you think”, kind of way.
Does that ring any bells in your church or organization?
We know a child begins helplessly, so they rely on us, but ultimately our goal is to teach them to feed themselves. And we hope they would also teach others someday. It would never be acceptable to spoon feed a perfectly capable child into adulthood would it?
Yet, in today’s culture bib wearers abound.
APRON WEARERS
I’m sure you’ve also encountered people who wear aprons. Meaning, they are ready to serve. And they have equipped themselves by the very wearing of the apron, to take on the task. Just like a gardener wouldn’t go to work in the garden without tools, those who serve wear their apron as a sign they are prepared for whatever will come their way.
They are not content to be fed. They want to get in on the action, and do the feeding.
They do not require full control. They are flexible, willing and humble. They won’t let the world pass them by while they partake of life, bib securely in place.
The visible sign of their willingness is akin to the apron filled with crumbs, dirt, colored stains and grime. Just like life. When we serve, it can be messy sometimes. But the results are beautiful.
Not just what we produce, but who we become in the process.
We are no longer dependent, but independent beings who don’t expect the world on a platter – or a silver spoon.
Look no further than Jesus himself.
He served. He washed. He fed. He taught. He healed. He walked alongside.
He came to serve. Not to be served.
Our churches, committees, sports organizations, neighborhoods, schools and businesses can all benefit from this reminder. Or perhaps we need only look in the mirror. But there is a simple choice we make every day.
So, what will it be? Bib or Apron?
Have you experienced bib or apron wearers? How do you interpret this illustration? I’d love your insights.