Can low-profile individuals be significant?
Take, for example, the Pope and a janitor. The current Pope is charismatic, influential, and inspiring to millions of people. A janitor may notice that one employee’s trash can shows signs that he/she is struggling and needs a friend. The Pope cannot go anywhere without a crowd following him. His personal ministry is limited. Whereas, a janitor can reach out to an individual without much fanfare. Both roles are significant in their own way.
The New Testament has its share of celebrity apostles, but it also mentions a few low-profile disciples. Stephen and Philip are two such examples (Acts Chapters 7 & 8). They show us how to be effective, covert operatives.
Philip goes wherever the Spirit leads him, does what he is meant to do, and leaves the premises before the public acknowledges his contributions. He fills in wherever he is needed. He is reassigned frequently, always on-call, with neither title nor recognition.
Stephen reminds us of the truth. We cannot be self-absorbed and be absorbed by God. He shows us how to look past our earthly circumstances and focus on God.
I believe that God calls each of us to fill in wherever He needs us. Unlike Stephen and Philip, I tend to get exasperated easily. Sometimes, when I feel overwhelmed by the problems of this world, I can’t even find the words to pray. All I can manage is a wordless supplication, a silent moan, a sigh of submission. I exhale the name of Jesus.
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