Every Part Has a Purpose
I used to look at pastors and other church leaders and think I needed to do something like that, otherwise I wasn’t really working for the Lord. It’s so easy to see the visible roles and think those are the only roles that matter for God. But I’ve learned that this isn’t true.
In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul describes the church as “the body of Christ.” Just as our physical body has many parts working together, so His people must work together to function properly. Our body has big parts and small parts, visible parts and hidden parts … and all are essential. Eyes help us see, ears help us hear, legs help us move; and each of these obvious parts rely on lots of smaller parts like tendons, and nerves. If a smaller less visible part isn’t working properly, each of those larger parts will be limited and the whole body will suffer.
The same is true in God’s Kingdom. The visible ministries may get the attention, but they depend on countless faithful people serving behind the scenes.
Many of the “small” things we do have a much greater impact than we’ll ever know.
A man once spent an hour each day handing out gospel tracts outside his shop, asking people, “If you died today, would you go to heaven?” He never saw any visible results from that in all the years he did it, yet he remained faithful. In his old age, a pastor tracked him down and told him story after story of people in his church who all were pointed toward God and eventually got saved because of his faithfulness in doing that simple task.
Your faithfulness is powerful.
When it comes to God's Kingdom, even the simple things we do could be the difference between somebody pursuing God or turning their back on Him. If the restrooms aren't clean at church, it can reflect poorly on the church, the pastor, and the message God may have for them.
I volunteer with the preschool kids and have often felt like my efforts to teach them about Jesus and the truth of the gospel, aren’t really sinking in with these kids. I have found that loving them and having fun with them helps to open those doors and get their attention for learning. I sometimes forget that I’m not just there for the kids. Rocking a crying baby or playing with a preschooler during a service might seem like you’re not doing much for God, but it gives a tired parent an hour to worship and hear God’s Word without distraction. Allowing the parents to have some focused time with God, may be what changes their life.
Sometimes we just need to change our perspective about what God has us doing, because it’s not just about what we do but why we do it.
“Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31; NKJV)
A friend of mine once met a man whose job was cleaning port-a-potties. Despite the unpleasant work, he was smiling and singing. When my friend asked him why he was so happy about his job, the man told him that the Bible says to do everything as unto the Lord (Colossians 3:23-24). Since this job was the job God had given him, he was going to do it the best he could for God.
I was encouraged by that story. Ever since, I've tried to keep that point in my mind and to work every day as if it was all for God. I know God wants me to love Him with every fiber of my being and to love others as I love myself. (Matthew 22:37-40)
We all have different strengths and weaknesses, but we all can love God and love others, in many ways. God may use both our strengths, and our weaknesses for His glory. God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness. (2 Corinthians 12:9)
So, in whatever God has you doing, remember who it’s ultimately for. We may not be able to see how all the parts are working together, or the impact they are making but God can use it all. Whatever job you are doing, whether big or small, visible or hidden, if you are doing it to the best of your ability and for His glory, all of it is important to God and can be used for His Kingdom.
If this encouraged you, check out more articles from our Flatirons Spiritual Formation Team for practical tools, encouragement, and ways to grow in your faith and leadership. Click here.