by David Brock

Have you ever been cleaning a toilet, emptying the trash, or sweeping up after someone and wondered, “Why am I doing this?” Probably you and the people on your team have had thoughts like this at one time or another. It is important as managers that we teach our team a philosophy of service. Without one, people will get discouraged and think about quitting.

In Numbers 16-18 God gives us the example of the Levites and their service. The tribe of Levi was responsible for all that happened with the tabernacle and the future temple. If you read the books of Leviticus and Numbers, you will quickly notice that God had a very specific way in which He was to be worshipped and how the nation of Israel was supposed to maintain a right relationship with God. It took an entire tribe to provide the framework of worship for Israel. There were many jobs to be done from taking care of the animals, to taking down and putting up the tabernacle, and to making the sacrifices. God had a specific plan for the service of the tabernacle.

The first aspect found in Numbers is that we must be content in our service. Discontentment destroys service. Numbers 16 gives us the example of Korah and some of the princes of Israel. Korah, who is Moses and Levi’s cousin, leads a rebellion against Moses and Aaron. In Numbers 16:3 we see that discontentment rises out of an elevated view of yourself. Korah thought that Aaron and Moses took too much upon themselves and that the whole congregation was holy enough to do the work of Aaron and Moses. Korah was no longer content with the job that had been given him; he wanted the power and leadership of those above him. He thought that he and the princes were just as qualified as Moses and Aaron.

Next we see that discontentment assumes the role of God (16:4-7). Moses replies to Korah by saying that he took too much upon himself (vs. 7). Where we serve and how we serve is not our choice but God’s. Moses initiated a process whereby all could see who God had chosen to lead His people. Korah thought that he could determine who should serve; when in actuality, it was God who placed him where he needed to be. It is only when we trust God that He is able to place us where He wants us (Proverbs 3:5-6).

We also see that discontentment does not understand the significance of every day service (16:9-11). In verse nine, Moses asks if it seems like a small thing to serve God in the tabernacle. Korah and the Levites did not view the everyday service in the tabernacle as something that was significant. They wanted to be the ones making the sacrifice or talking with God and communicating God’s direction to the people. Many times we do not understand the significance of landscaping, cleaning facilities, fixing broken items, writing letters, helping with mail outs, or building a building. Just as someone had to take care of the animals at the tabernacle, so we need people who are willing to do the everyday, behind-the-scenes work. Without that work, it is impossible for other ministry to happen or be effective.

Finally, we see that discontentment destroys people and ministry (16:11). As the story unfolds, God chooses Moses and Aaron. Then He judges those who began the rebellion. Because of discontentment, these leaders and their families lost their lives and ultimately lost all opportunities of ministry. This discontentment led many others to rebel and to question what God was doing. It is important for your team to understand that their discontentment affects many others and that it destroys ministry. When one expresses discontentment to others, it discourages them and pulls them down spiritually. Discontentment does not solve problems, it brings lasting consequences that destroy.

Discontentment rises out of a heart that is away from God. When you are faced with a worker that is discontent, ask questions to see what is at the root of the problem. When the heart problem is found, it gives you a framework on which you can help that person grow and avoid the consequences of discontentment. When one understands that discontentment destroys service, he may make the decision to be content with where God has placed him in life and ministry.