[335 words]
Have you ever met a member of the church who was unimportant? You know the type—the one who says, “My presence in worship services is really not important. After all, I’m not a preacher, Bible class teacher, or a song leader.” Or someone might say, “I’m just a one-talent man. The service I render to the church is not very significant.”
Are people who say such things right? Are some members of the church unimportant? Paul wrote concerning those who think they are unimportant: “Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary” (1 Corinthians 12:22). Evidently, some church members in Corinth felt that they were not as important as others who had certain spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:31). Those who had the gift of tongues were thought to be special (1 Corinthians 14). Paul told them that just as each member of one’s physical body is important, each member of the church (the Lord’s spiritual body) is important as well.
Though the spiritual gifts of 1 Corinthians 12 are no longer in the church today, the principle taught by Paul is applicable. There is a place of service for every member of the church, regardless of one’s ability or age. But you might ask, “What can I do?” The following are just some of the things you can do: mail cards to the sick, invite others to services, attend all the services, welcome visitors with a warm smile, visit the ill and those who are shut-in, help distribute tracts, cook meals for those who are ill, call and encourage those who are unfaithful, comfort the bereaved and a host of other things.
Whatever service you offer the church, remember that your work is important. “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as you know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58). There are no unimportant church members!
Mark Lindley
Chapman church of Christ
Ripley, MS