But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting. Micah 5:2
We all tend to think a bit too much about the “big things” in this life while discounting the “little things.” It is easy to think that those who are involved in more noticeable activities are of greater importance than those who do more behind-the-scenes work. This happens in every realm imaginable. A politician gives a powerful speech, and media members talk about how polished, articulate, and powerful the politician came across. Meanwhile, no one knows the name of the speech writer(s) who crafted said speech. Many musicians have become world famous and made a fortune off songs they performed, but no one knows the name of the person who wrote the song. The starting quarterback on an NFL roster is the highest paid and most well-known player on the team, but hardly anyone knows the name of the offensive linemen who are keeping him upright long enough to throw the ball. People talk about the magnificence of the world’s largest cities, but they often ignore or even make fun of the farmers in the flyover states without whom the “big timers” in these cities would literally starve to death.
Sadly, this infatuation with big and influential things takes a toll on the Lord’s church as well. People are enamored with their favorite preachers, authors, etc. while overlooking the brother or sister who is quietly, selflessly, and consistently working behind the scenes. These are the ones who are sneaking around day in and day out committing random acts of service that keep the church going. They are the ones who are at the nursing home giving comfort to our shut-ins, doing yard work for the brother or sister who is no longer able to do so, writing cards of encouragement, carrying food to the sick, talking to their neighbors about the gospel, maintaining the church building, preparing the Lord’s Supper, and the list goes on and on and on. There is a place for the work of those who are “out front” in their labors for the Lord, but we must not mistake being “out front” for being a “big deal.” After all, what does any of us have that we were not given (1 Corinthians 4:7)?
The point is that no matter how noticeable our service may be, every single member of the body serves a critical role in the life of the whole (Romans 12:3-8; 1 Corinthians 12:12-25). As was the case of Bethlehem in the days of ancient Israel, the most seemingly insignificant among us often prove to be the source of unquantifiable, magnificent blessings. Like the “…four things which are little on the earth, but they are exceedingly wise” (Proverbs 30:24-28), we stand to gain so much from those who do not command our attention overtly.
The title of this article comes from a quote by the fourteenth Dalai Lama concerning those who think themselves of little significance. He said, “If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito.” Though there is much of his philosophy I would undoubtedly dispute, this is a bit of wisdom I hope we all take to better appreciate the tremendous importance the “little things” people do in the Lord’s service. Though people, sadly even fellow Christians, may minimize your service to the Lord, He has plainly stated that the body is dependent upon your contribution to be fully functioning. So, whatever your role in this body, thank you for all you do for us.