Our church family, not unlike yours, is blessed with a lovely array of people, faces, and personalities. Some who have been a part of the congregation all their lives, others who are fresh and new as the morning dew having only recently started attending. Amid these gifts of precious people, are two gentlemen who have both been part of the church family for several decades and who share the same name: Jimmy.
The tale of the two Jimmys is one of faithfulness, consistency, and being present whenever church is taking place. Be it on Sunday morning, Sunday evening, Wednesdays, revivals, or seasons of fellowship, the two Jimmys are there – rain, shine, sleet or snow. You never have to wonder or worry, and if they aren’t there, they’re really sick or something of a catastrophic nature has taken place. And they’re always present – with their wives – early to make sure all is well at the church and ready for the other members. They’re the ones who make the coffee in the coffee shop for the early arrivers to enjoy. Prayer meetings on off nights? No problem, the Jimmys show up ready and wait to pray the prayers of faith then turn off the lights and lock the door afterward.
They are consistently among the worshippers who set the tone for God to move and to make sure the atmosphere is right for preaching. They put forth the effort to see that visitors are greeted, and new faces are welcomed – just through common courtesy and friendliness.
For the last thirty years or so, they have provided the hands, the tools, and the labor force when something breaks or comes undone on the church premises. Commodes won’t flush? The Brother Jimmys become the handymen with the wit and skills needed to resolve the problems. Electricity lost during an unexpected storm or due to a neighboring animal up close and personal with the electrical lines? One of the two Jimmys rush out to the church to peruse the premises to see what can be done – if anything – and alerts the pastor about the problem. Trash needs taking out after a large gathering? The Brothers Jimmy to the rescue!
The tale of two Jimmys is told with gladness, celebration, and joy. They are the examples for young men and women to follow, the beat in a pastor’s heart, the consistency needed by every soul who desires to do a work – however great or small- for God’s kingdom. They’ve never sung on the platform with the praise team. They haven’t taught Sunday School classes or been called to preach God’s word. They are simply essential members who carry the load that few want to carry. They are tenacious in their humble service to God and vital to the health and well-being of the church. You can count on them to be there and be active.
The two Brother Jimmys have grown older in the last few days, months and years. They don’t quite have the spring in their steps that they once had. Each has battled his own health issues and challenges. But they’re still faithful and as solid as rocks when it comes to God and His calling on their lives. They don’t hunt excuses for not being in the house of God. Their hands are still raised high in worship and their voices are still heard in praise to God. They are faithful servants.
Every congregation needs a tale of two Jimmys. Every church requires people who show up and are present for the work of the kingdom – be it ever so humble. The humble works are the works which keep the kingdom going and the church doors open.
If you can be anything for God, be a Brother Jimmy. Be faithful. Be supportive. Be a strength and not a weakness. Don’t look for excuses or reasons not to be present. Be the story handed down to the next generation. Be the example that inspires others.
