Yesterday my online friend and fellow blogger, Lisa, wrote about a book she read about introverts. It was a book in praise of introverts, how to understand them, and their unique contributions to life, to the church. etc.
I’m married to an introvert. Being an extreme extrovert it would be easy for me to lose sight or push aside the uniqueness of my wife. But I have told her for many, many years that her contributions to our ministry can in no way be diminished. She has always been behind me and beside me.Β Β Β Never in front because she would freak! π That is why what G. Campbell Morgan wrote struck me with such conviction:
You have no right to say that, because a person is not doing your work and is not seen in the public places of the field, that, therefore, he is not doing the work which God would have him (her) do…It is not always the men and women who are out front or in the pulpit who are God’s greatest workers in the church.
I can’t argue with that. If the “success” of the church, if the “running” of the church, relied solely on me, it would be a sad state of affairs for sure!! The church, any organization for that matter, but especially the church, needs people like that. I think Ronald Reagan is credited with saying, “It is amazing how far an organization can go and what it can accomplish if no one cares who gets the credit.” No argument there.
“Father, there are no big or little people in your economy. No big or little people in the church. As one little boy said, ‘No one act big. No one act small. Everyone act medium.’ Help me to always be aware of your people who are behind the scenes, taking care of the incidentals. Power Point. Sound. Lights. Teaching kids. Nursery. Greeters. All those who are seemingly forgotten. Help me not forget.”
{Quote from In the Shadow of Grace by G. Campbell Morgan}
Great reminder that the church is filled with a unique assortment of individuals that come together as one body. Each with a different set of gifts, but with the same purpose. To give God glory. It takes introverts, extroverts, and everyone in between. I love the quote regarding organizations and credit. When people arenβt focused on climbing a corporate ladder and simply focused on doing well… much more can get accomplished.
The genius of the church is what Paul wrote about in Corinthians. One church; many gifts. I, too, like the quote (although I may not have it completely correct).
What a great reminder, Bill, that God can, and will, use all of us for the good when we offer our gifts to Him, whatever those might be. He has perfectly designed us for the roles we undertake in life.
Blessings!
Thanks Martha. God can use anyone who is available for Him to use.
I hope your wife reads what you wrote. π Very nice. I’m a behind-the-scenes person by choice, too, but everyone still likes to know they are appreciated from time to time, regardless of where they serve. Thanks for your observations, Bill!
Even though I know she loves me, I don’t think she reads much of what I write. Guess she hears me at home enough. π π Thanks for stopping by Lisa.
There is that trait of humility that can be so powerful and the only tool created by God to combat the pride of this flesh. Bless those who serve without need or want of praise.