Have you ever felt like what you have to offer is too small or insignificant to make any difference? Have you had a tendency to hold back because you feel like it just doesn’t matter, or no one will even notice your input?
Looking up to the “super-stars” in the church or community, it can be tempting to hide in the background and allow the more charismatic leaders to carry the load. After all, they can make a far greater contribution than “lil’ oh me!” Right?
Whether it is a lack of confidence, a skewed sense of self-worth, or even weak faith, this type of thinking often permeates the church in virtually every denomination or background. It’s human nature to evaluate one’s significance by comparing with the people in the forefront, and then to feel a sense of inferiority or superiority as a consequence. Unfortunately, this is counterproductive, but there is a much better way to think about it. Paul discusses the variety of gifts and roles of the body in 1 Corinthians 12. Take a moment and meditate on this marvelous chapter.
I have been participating in a community production of the Wizard of Oz over the last several weeks. I hadn’t done theater in years, and I am simply having a ball! I am playing the part of Glinda, the Good Witch of the North, and my husband is the Wizard of Oz himself. My husband’s role is, of course, one of the most crucial parts. Without the wizard, there would be no Wizard of Oz.
My perspective, however, has been quite unique. I have munchkins with me during most of the time I am onstage, and my part would be flat without all those cuties surrounding me. I have watched them rehearse their singing and dancing night after night, and I can’t help but giggle over all the adorable antics!
What would the production be like without the “Lullaby League,” the “Lollipop Guild,” or the Mayor of Munchkin City? What about the little cutie that comes out to say, “We think you very sweetly for doing it so neatly…” Or, what about the dancing Jitterbugs or the Flying Monkeys? Each one of those parts may seem insignificant, but the show would not be the same at all without each and every one of these characters. I really believe the old adage that “There are no small characters.”
Let’s bring it back to the church. I have often thought about the one that pours the juice or wine in the Communion cups, or the one that organizes all the music for the band, or the one who donates all the paper products for church socials, or the one who bakes the pies or washes cars for youth fund raisers, and even the one who sweeps the floor of the fellowship hall. Most people don’t see who does these small tasks, but we would all certainly notice if no one did.
Everyone sees the one who sings solos, preaches or teaches, or plays an instrument. But, what about the one who changes diapers or teaches preschoolers about Jesus? The most visible roles are not necessarily the most important, and all must work together synergistically for the work of the Lord to be accomplished to the fullest.
We have often heard sermons about being the body of Christ, and each member is significant in its unique role. I have often wondered if I would be content as the big toe instead of insisting on being the hand or the arm who gets all the attention. The important thing to understand is that we are Christ’s body. It is about Him and not us. We are to make Him shine, not ourselves.
If every single person was the head, we would end up with an ugly monster! And, if only the major parts participated, the body could not function. It needs every single muscle fiber, tendon, mucous membrane, and hair follicle to be whole.
This is more than accepting our smallness, but it is also about understanding how significant, and even potentially large, our part may be. We often underestimate our involvement, but when it is blessed by and multiplied by the anointing of the Holy Spirit, we may never grasp how far-reaching our influence may be. We simply need to walk in obedience and trust Him for the rest.
Jesus spoke two parables that illustrate this concept beautifully. I have heard these for many years, but I never understood the gist until recently.
Matthew 13:31-33 NLT – Here is another illustration Jesus used: “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed planted in a field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of garden plants; it grows into a tree, and birds come and make nests in its branches.” Jesus also used this illustration: “The Kingdom of Heaven is like the yeast a woman used in making bread. Even though she put only a little yeast in three measures of flour, it permeated every part of the dough.”
Is there anything smaller than a mustard seed? Yet, when planted, it yields one of the largest plants.
Can a tiny amount of yeast make any difference at all? That is all it takes! Just a little bit of yeast, and it spreads throughout the entire batch of dough causing it to rise and be fluffy.
In the same way, your seemingly small contribution can multiply and become a significant influence in the Kingdom of God. So, don’t hide your gift under a bush. Let it shine; let it shine; let it shine!
God bless you as you walk boldly into your calling!
