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04-03-2008, 08:30 AM
"Without the Spotlight"
“Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, spoke up, ‘Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?’” — John 6:8 NIV
Sometimes you do your work faithfully, but you are not always singled out for appreciation. Does that bother you? If so, perhaps it would help to look at Andrew, one of Jesus' disciples. He was the first disciple, along with John, to follow Jesus, after John the Baptist pointed out Jesus as the Lamb of God. Andrew immediately went to his brother, Peter, with the good news of his discovery and soon Peter became one of the leaders of the disciples. Andrew went quietly about his duties without fanfare and yet he was always there to help, as when the 5000 followers were hungry and needed food. Today's scripture tells of that.
There are a limited number of "stars" in sports and entertainment but games could not be won and dramas could not be performed without the little remembered supporting players. Some of us become leaders, public speakers and teachers. We gain recognition, whether or not we desire it. Others of us are gifted with abilities that may not be recognized and praised. Marta is an excellent cook and is always there to help with Meals on Wheels. Jim is one of the Property Committee's most faithful workers in keeping the grounds of the church looking neat and beautiful. Each of us is a part of the Body of Christ and Paul wrote, "We have different gifts, according to the grace given us" (Romans 12:6).
When we are thankful for the opportunity to love and serve our neighbor, we can lead a rich, full life, for God will shower joy and peace upon us. "You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts you" (Isaiah 26:3).
Heavenly Father, I thank you for those who are gladly willing to serve their neighbors without needing the spotlight. Amen.
“Prayerful Living”
“Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, spoke up, ‘Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?’” — John 6:8 NIV
Sometimes you do your work faithfully, but you are not always singled out for appreciation. Does that bother you? If so, perhaps it would help to look at Andrew, one of Jesus' disciples. He was the first disciple, along with John, to follow Jesus, after John the Baptist pointed out Jesus as the Lamb of God. Andrew immediately went to his brother, Peter, with the good news of his discovery and soon Peter became one of the leaders of the disciples. Andrew went quietly about his duties without fanfare and yet he was always there to help, as when the 5000 followers were hungry and needed food. Today's scripture tells of that.
There are a limited number of "stars" in sports and entertainment but games could not be won and dramas could not be performed without the little remembered supporting players. Some of us become leaders, public speakers and teachers. We gain recognition, whether or not we desire it. Others of us are gifted with abilities that may not be recognized and praised. Marta is an excellent cook and is always there to help with Meals on Wheels. Jim is one of the Property Committee's most faithful workers in keeping the grounds of the church looking neat and beautiful. Each of us is a part of the Body of Christ and Paul wrote, "We have different gifts, according to the grace given us" (Romans 12:6).
When we are thankful for the opportunity to love and serve our neighbor, we can lead a rich, full life, for God will shower joy and peace upon us. "You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts you" (Isaiah 26:3).
Heavenly Father, I thank you for those who are gladly willing to serve their neighbors without needing the spotlight. Amen.
“Prayerful Living”