"Grunt Work"

 

“Grunt Work”

 

The term “grunt work” had its origin in 1969 during the Vietnam War to refer to infantry soldiers who did the “dirty work”. This military slang gradually spilled over into the civilian sector to describe thankless, menial and unskilled but necessary labor. An example was a two man home remodeling team who hired a “laborer” as a gofer so they could use their skills more efficiently and the business prospered. So “grunt work” is an important part of any project.

In my recent reading in Numbers 3 and 4 I saw the importance of “grunt work” surrounding the tabernacle. Aaron and his sons, descended from Jacob’s son Levi which was designated as the priestly tribe, were called to the priesthood to lead the Israelites in worship. However, they couldn’t perform all the necessary tasks so God assigned other members of the tribe to “…perform duties for (Aaron) and for the whole community at the Tent of Meeting by doing the (“grunt work”—McMillan paraphrase) of the tabernacle.” (Numbers 3:7). This included caring for the furnishings, coverings, curtains, framing and all other aspects of the structure as well as carrying the articles from place to place and setting it up where God directed the people to stop and camp. Glamorous? Probably not. Important? Definitely as it provided the nation with its center of worship.

Paul described what might be viewed as “grunt workers” in 1 Corinthians 1:26-29 (NLT): “Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world’s eyes, or powerful, or wealthy, when God called you. Instead, God deliberately chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose those who are powerless to shame those who are powerful. God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important, so that no one can ever boast in the presence of God.” And let’s not forget Jesus’ words: “…Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant….” (Mark 10:43) which He lived out by washing His disciples’ feet (John 13:5) as an example for us (Verses 14-15).

Is there any “grunt work” in God’s economy? Not really—we each have a role to play which is important (“…Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”—1 Corinthians 10:31, emphasis added). So let’s use whatever is in our hands to honor the God of our hands.

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan