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We’re exploring lessons from locusts as they are described in Joel 2.7, 8:

• Like warriors they charge. Are we on offense, actively trying to make a difference?
• Like soldiers they scale the wall. Are we undeterred by obstacles?
• They march each on his way; they do not swerve from their paths.Does each of us know our job and do it? Can each of us operate within our own calling?
• They do not jostle one another; each marches in his path. Are we content to let others pursue their calling?
  
• They burst through the weapons and are not halted. Do we expect to be effective?

Today I want to explore lessons 3 and 4: they do not swerve from their paths and they do not jostle one another. This one is simple: stay in your lane!

Each knows his job and does it. (Joel 2.8, MSG)

Practically speaking, when we initiate an effort to solve a problem like, say, human trafficking or teen suicide, not everyone that we invite will join us. But that’s OK. God is in charge, and he is free (of course!) to direct his servants where He wants them. Even within a specialized, disciple-making organization like The Navigators, some of us work in churches; others, with the military or on the college campus; some are moving into inner-city neighborhoods. 

And that brings us to the other half of today’s locust lesson: don’t interfere with the other person’s calling! “They do not jostle one another.” Often, when God calls us to specific action, we are so excited about it (rightly so) that we want everyone on board with us (not necessarily a good thing). 

A few years ago, an early-morning men’s bible study I was leading in a downtown church was attended by men from the in-residence program of the nearby rescue mission. These men added a much-needed and sometimes colorful dimension to our table discussions! The point here is that there are many organizations in that city serving the poor: the Rescue Mission was one. There was a soup kitchen run by another church, and all the churches cooperated to create an organization to meet day-to-day needs. My job was to help train the men spiritually—something that is very important— but it would have been silly for any of us to criticize another ministry just because they weren’t doing what we were doing. 

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. (1 Corinthians 12.4 – 6, ESV)

So tend to your knitting. You’ve got your hands full just taking care of your own life before God. (Romans 14.12, MSG)