You may feel like the pinky fingernail of the body of Christ, but when the ear itches, you are the perfect one to take care of the problem.
The communion trays need to get filled. The unleavened bread does not make itself.
The third graders need class teachers. The bathrooms need cleaning. The widow longs for a visitor. The new mom is pulling her hair out and needs a break. The teenager needs encouraging.
There is no small part in the body. Many of the behind-the-scenes tasks of the church are thankless jobs, but they are no less valuable.
A recent commercial for a job placement company highlights the fact that though you weren’t the person to walk on the moon, there were many others who contributed to that effort. In the commercial, the person sweeping the floor is honored as a part of the team. The movie Hidden Figures celebrates the African American women who did many of the math calculations to ensure that every detail of the rocket and trajectory were correct.
After the national championship, Heisman winner Joe Burrow thanked many of the people who never saw the field, “So many people put so much work into this—from athletic trainers, equipment staff, players, coaches, chefs, dining room assistants.”
Whether in work, in sports, in the church, or on a project, every single person is an important member of the team. The face of the team may hold up the prize or receive the acclaim, but it would’ve been impossible had it not been for the many small parts others played along the way.
In the body and in the church, there are no small parts. What small part can you play today? What is a thankless task that is part of the big picture that you can contribute to?
Matthew 19:13-15
Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people, but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” And he laid his hands on them and went away.
See also 1 Corinthians 12:12-27.