The natural instinct in every man is to desire to be applauded. Thus, it makes tasks and assignments wherein one would be unnoticed and by extension unappreciated less appealing to many people.
In our myopic state we conclude that a man’s work must always be showcased and applauded, we lack the understanding that it does not have to be so. There are instances where certain people have to work from the background. This group of people could sometimes be seen as less significant than the “main actors” in some quarters, however they constitute a Great Pillar for a Ministry. It’s good to note that they are actually very significant, they are called SILENT LABORERS.
It is important to note that we are not expected to do a thing simply because of the applause we would get from it. We should be ready to act whether our action would be noticed or not, whether we would be applauded or not, so long as it would honor God and contribute to the growth and development of humanity.
The story of 2 brothers, by the names, Andrew and Peter, in the Holy Scripture helps to amplify this truth.
Peter, happened to be well-known and was usually at the fore front in the company of Jesus’ disciples. In fact, after the ascension of Jesus, it was through the message he preached that about 3000 people were added to the Church.
Andrew, on the other hand, was not well-known, in fact, he was referred to, in relation to Peter a couple of times, that is, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. However, it was Andrew who brought Peter to Jesus in the first place. Needful to state is that he wasn’t angered or displeased when things seemed to take a new turn and Peter rose to prominence.
“One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone. John 1:40-42 KJV
There would perhaps have been no Simon Peter were there to be no Andrew who yielded himself as a tool in the hands of the Master.
Silent Laborers, they seem so insignificant but are indeed powerful; they seem so weak but are mighty pillars on which a ministry stands; they seem irrelevant but by the reason of their work, a ministry could be saved from ruins; they seem useless, but the Lord could have mercy on a perverse generation because of watchmen pleading for the lives of careless men; they seem to be unrewarded, but great is their reward in heaven.
I implore you, do not look down on your task, commit yourself faithfully to it. Even if the audience doesn’t seem large, stay focused; it could be that a single fruit of your effort would in turn bring multiple fruits.
Are you doing something that is adding values and it appears you ain’t being noticed or even appreciated? Don’t seek to compromise because of that, stay committed faithfully to that cause.
You could also be a silent laborer who watches over people’s lives in the place of prayer thus serving as a pillar to the Church, rather than scattering the fold or pulling down the work of others. Be not weary in well doing, let your service be as unto the Lord. Be content to labor in the dark whenever occasion demands it.
Also, don’t look down on anyone and mind your words to those around you, especially in the Household of Faith, for they might be the Silent Laborers over your own life.
Remember, we shall all give account of how we lived our lives while on earth. Honor God with your life while you live as strangers here on earth.
Shalom!!!
Charisbeth 