Family of God

This morning finds me reflecting on the different gifts, talents, and abilities that God has placed within the family of God.  We see the demonstration of these gifts on a daily or weekly basis but do we take the time to truly recognize and appreciate them?  I am glad that not everyone is identical to me and I am glad that God has placed different gifts and abilities in my life.  I don't say this in a form of self exaltation or self abasement; no, I say this in the form of gratitude that we are able to identify the true diversity of the family of God.  Just as the different parts of the physical body were made to compliment one another so also is the spiritual body of Christ made to compliment one another.  We must move beyond the tendency to compare our gifts with each other and we must move beyond the tendency to live in the state of competition among ourselves.  We are called to support, encourage, and release the gifts and talents of our fellow family members.  The Bible is full of characters that the Word identifies and that we know as soon as their name is mentioned.  But the Bible is also full of characters that we read their names but we are unsure of their identity because their role may not have been as prominent as the other characters of the Bible.  But we must remember that prominence is not the same as importance!  My arm is more prominent and noticeable than my heart or liver but that does not mean that my arm is more important than my heart or liver.  We need to realize that the progress and success of the family of God is not just identified through the efforts of the "up-front" people of the church but much of our success is due to the "unseen and unknown" work that is completed out of the sight of the congregation.

Today I want to take a moment and recognize and remember all of the "unknown" servants within the family of God who has offered their gifts, talents, and abilities out of the lime-light of the public.  The Sunday School teachers, the Children's Church workers, the intercessors, the custodians, the chaperons who accompany leaders on trips to assist with the children, the Youth leaders,  the cooks at Youth Camp, the encourager's, the treasurers, and countless other servants who provide such important service to the family of God.  Each of these may not be as prominent in the eyes of the people who sit in the church week after week but their importance must not be overlooked.  Thank you servants of God for willingly offering yourself to the work in the Kingdom of God!