Recently, Yvonne and I were watching the season finale of her favorite TV show; “Madam Secretary”. In the episode, one of the Secretary’s aides was delivering a college commencement speech, and these words were spoken: “We live in a world where chasing after a chance to be in the limelight is our only goal in life. Many of the greatest accomplishments in life are made by people that you will never know their name.”
Truth.
I have found even in ministry, that many of us strive to serve, but many want to be “seen” serving. Many believe that unless we are serving in a mega church or in a high profile ministry position, that we are NOT being used of God. And thus we never plant our feet and find contentment.
So what about those who are serving God and are NOT in the “Limelight”?
Missionaries, Chaplains, Pastors in small churches, Preachers in the nation’s inner cities, Sunday School teachers in house churches, Jail ministry workers, church parking lot attendants, service audio tech teams, janitors… The list goes on of those who are allowing God to use them, SIMPLY for His glory.
A few years ago, I had a conversation with a man who was depressed because he had never been moved into being a fulltime gospel singer. I told him, “That wasn’t God’s plan for your life. You raised a great family, served in your local church and allowed God to use you there.”
If you are serving, and are not in the “Limelight”, keep serving and allow His (God’s) light to shine through you.
This devotion has reminded me to pray for those “behind the scenes” servers who all make up the body of Christ.
Colossians 3:23-24 “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.”
Matthew 25:21 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’
Take time to pray for and whenever possible, THANK those who are not serving in the “Limelight”.
Prayer starter: “Father, thank You for Your love. I thank You for those who are serving You and Your Kingdom that may never receive recognition. I ask that You bless them, protect them and give them fruit for their labor. In Jesus name, Amen.”
