By William V. Beasley
Our subject is, believe it or not, a Bible subject. It is, to be more exact, an illustration of a Bible passage. While working on an addition to our place of meeting, I often found myself running for this or going to get that or hunting for the other thing. I was, in other words, the “gopher” (“Go fer this,” “Go fer the other”). It was good to be able to be of help in working on the building addition. Our service might have been of more value if we had been able to read a blueprint, saw a straight line or finish concrete. As it was we did what we could and, perhaps more importantly, freed others who were able to “saw a straight line,” etc. to do so.
“For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore of the body” (1 Cor. 12:14-15) read all of 1 Cor. 12:12-27). One member may not be able to preach a sermon, lead a song or teach a class, but can be of great value in handing out tracts, bringing others to services, doing physical service for the ill and the needy. By doing what they can they please God and, perhaps, free others who can “preach a sermon, lead a song,” etc. to prepare to and to do what they can do.
Our sisters in Christ cannot be preachers or elders, but they can do service which men cannot accomplish. One young lady would not permit me or any man to visit her home to teach her the way of the Lord, but my wife and another good sister led her to the knowledge of salvation. Thank God that you can be a “foot” in the body and serve as a “gopher” in the divine service.
Truth Magazine XXII: 15, p. 242
April 13, 1978