The Little Faithfuls
In Christianity there is an emphasis placed on doing great things for God – particularly for the young. You can often hear people spouting ideals about changing the world and setting hearts on fire and starting revivals. The vision is great, the heart is wonderful, and the dreams can be realized. But sometimes I think we need to broaden our definition of “doing great things for God.”
It is easy to speak loftily from the mountaintop of youthful idealism. It is easy to use this time of life when new vistas are opening up all around us, to criticize those who have gone before us – people who seem too laidback, who seem to take life and Christianity for granted. It is easy to judge older Christians for not being passionate enough.
And because of our own passion and idealism, we are often quick to honor the “obvious faithfuls,” people whose lives are visibly extraordinary, who make a difference, who receive adulation from the church and the world alike. But in doing so, we sometimes neglect the “little faithfuls” – humble, ordinary Christians who are committed to the calling of Christ day in and day out, at dull 40-hour-a-week jobs, making quiet sacrifices and unseen changes, with no splash or glamour or stardom.
When we young people have the opportunity to go halfway around the world on incredible missions trips, who sends us? Many times, it’s forty-year-old adults who are working those long weeks and supporting our dreams. When a woman comes into the church feeling lost and alone, overwhelmed by the burdens of life, who takes her under their wing? It’s often a young mother who’s busy with her kids, unable to invest all of her time in spectacular ministries – but who will make a world of difference to that one woman. When the church is sparkling clean and things are running smoothly on a Sunday morning, who’s to thank? It’s the technicians and janitors and secretaries who have been working behind the scenes all week long in order to put together a pleasant service time on Sunday.
Let’s dream big… let’s exploit our youth and our singleness and our idealism in order to attempt great things for God. But let’s not forget that He calls us to be faithful in every circumstance of life, extraordinary or not. And let’s not be too quick to criticize people who are living ordinary and humble lives. Many times, the “little faithfuls” are making a huge impact, and they are doing it with a simple humility we should be emulating.
wow… thank you.
I have always admire the youth because all the the things that you have listed here: enthusiasm, zeal and an obvious faith for the Lord.
It is nothing for me to humbly serve the “kids” of the church because they are able to accomplish what I can’t do.
This 32 year old single dad of a 5 year old can’t go to the other side of the world for extended periods of time. But we all can work together for His greater good.
Simply awesome. Thank you.
Beautiful post, and so very true! You have much wisdom.
Thank you for visiting my blog and for your kind comment. I will definitely be bookmarking your site and coming back.
Yes, I definitely agree that we need to remember the “behind the scene” Christians. When I was in college, the church I attended looked down on those of us who were not in Bible College studying to be missionaries. But that kind of mentality pushed many of their high school students into Bible College even though their hearts were not in it, and now many are not even attending church at all.
While we are in the season of youthful energy, less commitments and with a heart full of passion God can use us to do wonderful things!
But each season has it’s opportunities to serve God. Many young people (both Christian and secular) ignore the unseen workers who help make our little corner of the world run seemingly effortlessly. We should make it a point, as Christians, to realise all those who do the unseen things and thank them for serving God in whatever position He has placed them.
Great post! I love this idea you have here about singles having a ministry that in some respects married people can’t do. I think also that biblically, singles have always been accomplishing great things for God.
Love the term “little faithfuls” …
Very convicting post Anna – brilliant! I have been guilty of “judg[ing] older Christians for not being passionate enough.” You’re so right, God calls us to be faithful and humble servants, not necessarily always to do “big and mighty” things for Him. Great reminder