“I know thy works, and thy labor, and thy patience …” (Revelation 2:2)
It is said of the early Christians each determined to do his part in Acts 11:29,30 “…which also they did.”
I was engaged in a gospel meeting and had arrived at the building earlier than expected which was a real blessing … I could catch my breath … let the supper settle … and give a little more thought to the lesson for the night.
And when I got out of my car, I noticed an older model pickup parked away from the building. The lights were already on in the building. I went inside and found an elderly gentleman probably in his late 60s or early 70s and we sat down on the back bench and visited.
In the course of our conversation, the subject came up about how long he had been a member there and then he mentioned the fact that he had never preached a lesson or offered an invitation, but he had led prayer.
But then he said something that really stuck with me, “I don’t really do much here at the church! Oh, I’m here for all the services including gospel meetings … I sing a bit off-key … and follow along in Bible Class and Worship services. Like I said I really don’t do much … just been taking care of the yard and anything else on the outside of the building all these years!”
Needless to say, it was my pleasure to remind him that he was doing all that he was able to do and that the Lord knew what was in His heart and saw his desire to serve God as best he could!
I must tell you … the big smile on that elderly man’s face was worth a million dollars that night, for he was able to finally figure out … he really was doing things for the Lord … lots of things!
There are always those in most congregations that you rarely see “upfront” … but who are always in attendance and participating in all the activities. He was one of those members that it could be said are among those you rarely hear about … but our God knows!
Just like He knows who are laboring in difficult situations … where attrition of the members over time has led to small numbers … small classes … but they come … they sit down … they sing … they pray … they remember the Lord’s death in partaking of the Lord’s Supper … and they pay attention to the lesson being taught (at least most of the time!) … and they are so happy to have seen each other.
From the Lord’s perspective … “every member of the body of Christ” is important … needed to work with all the other members in unity … to help the church bring “the glory to God” He alone deserves! That is the way the Lord has always intended for the Church, “the Body of Christ” to be … united with all of the parts.
As diverse as the parts of the human body, so is the spiritual body of Christ … that for which He gave His very life’s blood in order to purchase it (Acts 20:28) … every member of the “body of Christ” is dependent on every other part … feet, ears, hands, as well as the internal organs that cannot be seen without technology … all the members need to be spiritually healthy!
What’s the takeaway from this writing? It’s really very simple … whoever you are … wherever you live and worship … regardless of the size of where you worship … seek to serve the Lord with “all of your heart, soul, strength, and mind.”
Look around … and do all that you can do!
Each member of the “body of Christ” is important … and that my friend … is YOU!
As the beloved apostle Paul would write, “I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14)
Bill Fairchild, Jr.
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