Hidden, yet Seen
When is the last time you thought about your thenar muscles? Perhaps you have been particularly thankful for your interossei muscles as you enjoy your coffee each morning lately? Did you know that it takes approximately 34 muscles to move your hand? We see our hand pick up a coffee mug or jot a note down, and don’t give a second thought to those hard working muscles under the skin that make it move in a way that helps us write, greet others, play the piano, or chop an onion.
The Holy Spirit indwells each person who places their faith and trust in Jesus Christ, and bestows spiritual gifts to be used for the edification of the church and to bring glory to God. 1 Peter 4:10-11 says, “As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” Romans 12:6a says, “Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly.”
Too often we look at others and make the dangerous mistake of comparing ourselves to them. We forget that one body has many parts (1 Corinthians 12:14) and that “God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired.” (1 Corinthians 12:18) The reality is, we can’t all be a visible part of the body. Without the bones, muscles, tendons, veins, arteries, and joints, the body would not be able to move.
God blesses some individuals with gifts that are visible and easily identified in how they exhibit Kingdom work. Evangelists lead people to Christ. Musicians bless others and usher them into worship. Pastors teach and shepherd their flocks. Missionaries are called to foreign lands to translate scripture, minister to the immediate needs of others, and to share the gospel and good news of Jesus Christ. Writers are given the ability to write books that exhort and encourage others.
What about the faithful wife and mother who quietly keeps the home and raises her children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord? What about the auto mechanic who fixes cars for a living, or a medic on a battlefield? What about someone who does something as simple as taking the time to sit with a friend who is struggling and brokenhearted, and offer a compassionate listening ear and words of hope and encouragement? Does this work count for the Kingdom? Most assuredly, the answer is yes! People need to be fed and clothed in order to be effective in getting the work accomplished that God has assigned to them. People need working vehicles in order to travel to the places where God has placed them to be salt and light. Soldiers injured in battle must receive medical care before being able to re-enter the fight. People need others to come alongside to encourage and pray with them in the midst of a trial.
Every person we encounter in the Body of Christ has a host of people behind the scenes in their life who contribute to making them who they are. Parents, spouses, friends, teachers, mechanics, medical personnel, bankers, etc. all serve important roles in living life here on earth. While some of these jobs may not be obvious in how they further the Kingdom, they are vital nonetheless.
Friend, if you are feeling unseen or unimportant, take heart.
Your life may not be visible, but it is not invisible.
“For God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7b)
“For the eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His.” (2 Chronicles 16:9)
“Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)
Just as the hand requires 34 muscles in order to move, so the Body of Christ requires its members to use the gifts that God has blessed them with to serve others. No gift is deemed too small, insignificant or unnecessary. All are needed in order to make the Body be healthy and function properly.
Love and serve the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind and strength right where He has placed you. You are there for a reason, and your life and contributions to the lives of others matters. He gives His gifts in order that we might joyfully serve Him and others and bring glory and honor to His name as we contribute (visibly and invisibly) toward to the building and blessing of the Kingdom of Christ.
