“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the Name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” (Colossians 3:17)
Introduction
Most of us have experienced low and dry moments in our lives. During such times, we may feel insignificant, weak or under-appreciated. Surrounded by people who are more gifted and talented than us, we are tempted to take a step back and let somebody else do the work. We reason that what we have to offer won't make much difference anyway. We forget the inspiring story of how our Lord Jesus blessed the five loaves and two small fish offered by a boy to feed a multitude (John 6:1-14). There, God’s Word reminds us that each of us has something to offer to God for His ministry to those around us, even though we may not see it as such.
“Where’s the piccolo?”
A story was told of how Sir Michael Costa, an Italian-born conductor and composer who achieved fame and success in England in the 19th century, was conducting an important rehearsal in which the orchestra was to be joined by a great chorus at the right moment.
About halfway through the rehearsal, with trumpets blaring, drums rolling, and violins singing their rich melody, the piccolo player muttered to himself, "What good am I doing? I might just as well not be playing. Nobody can hear me anyway." So he kept the instrument to his mouth, but he made no sound. Within moments, the conductor cried, "Stop! Stop! Where's the piccolo?" It was missed by the sensitive ears of the most important person in the concert hall. Richard De Haan, a writer for Our Daily Bread, has this to say, “It's much the same way with the use of our abilities for the Lord. Whether our talent is great or small, the performance isn’t complete until we do our best with what we have.”
Through the Master’s Eyes
During the course of his missionary journeys throughout Asia Minor, the apostle Paul always makes it a point to give thanks to God for believers who to have come to know the Lord Jesus and have a personal relationship with Him. He reminds the early church believers that they are precious in the sight of God, for they are redeemed to be His children of righteousness by nothing other than the shed blood and sacrifice of His Son. “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:31,32).
Paul goes on to affirm that the church is like a body which does not consist of one member but of many, and the weaker members are indispensable and given greater honour. “On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and on those parts of the body that we think less honourable we bestow the greater honour, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honour to the part that lacked it, that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honoured, all rejoice together.” (1 Cor 12: 22-26).
“You Have A Part To Play”
The apostle Paul encourages us to present ourselves as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, that we may worship Him by our service to the church and the community. He reminds us that we all have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, whether they are more visible gifts like preaching or teaching, or less visible gifts like the gift of mercy and hospitality (Romans 12:1-8). In short, we all have a part to play in the service of the Master for His kingdom’s sake. May the inspiring words of the poem by M.S. Lowndes encourage us to do our part cheerfully for Christ:
“You Have A Part To Play”
Each one of God's children
Has a special part to play,
Whether it be great or small,
We are needed every day.
If your part seems very small,
Don't feel you're insignificant
Don't feel that you can't offer much
And you wouldn't make a difference.
Though you're tempted to give up
And let another take your place,
Remember, God gave you your gifts
And you cannot be replaced.
And these gifts that God has given,
He longs for you to share
You're just as important as anyone,
So don't be in despair.
The only One who matters most
Is watching for your part,
With much anticipation
And excitement in His heart.
So do not disappoint Him
By not taking your cue,
Though you think it unimportant,
This part is made for you.
Don't let God walk away
With a disappointed heart
Because you felt so unworthy
Of your very special part.
The parts that we've been given
Isn't based on size at all,
But rather on the abilities
And the gifting of the Lord.
For each part is important
To make the whole thing work,
So do your part with enthusiasm
And know that you have worth.
May we take heart and do our part as echoed by the words of a Christian author, “The Master needs what you have to offer; no matter if you think it's small. His work on earth is done through His children; so give Him your best, give your all.” Amen. - Elder Elgin Chan
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