Just a Small Part

Several years ago, for about fourteen consecutive years, I was a member of an Amateur Operatic Society and enjoyed taking part in musicals such as Oliver, The Sound of Music, My Fair Lady, Carousel and many other well known productions. I was one of the chorus ladies, never playing a leading part. However, in one of the productions, I was given a small part, which amounted to me saying a few words to one of the main characters.

I began to think recently about how many of the people involved in any stage show are never seen by the audience. Their role is backstage. It is surprising just how many people are involved in essential things such as changing the scenery, and making sure the lighting and the acoustics are correct. Then there is the prompt who sits in the wings at the side of the stage in case someone forgets their words, the caller who tells the actors when to get ready to go on stage, the make up  and wardrobe team who ensure the costumes and faces are ready, and those who make refreshing cups of tea or coffee during the interval. Without the backstage crew the show simply could not go on. Their role, although not visible to the audience, is still extremely important.

Being a Christian can be a bit like that. In God's Kingdom each one of us is extremely important, whether we realise it or not. I know I often feel I am only playing a small part in God's Kingdom, just as I did  in the stage production many years ago. I am definitely not an ‘up front’ sort of person who shares the gospel message with a large crowd of people in a large venue, as some of the well known evangelists do, or have done in the past. I don't write books, or compose music, or sing solo. Nor  have I become a missionary in some far away place. I can often fall into the trap of comparing myself to other people who seem to do far more than I do and who achieve greater results. It can sometimes cause me to feel quite insignificant and inferior. Yet I am reminded that God's love for me is equal to His love for everyone else, even those who have led thousands of people to the Lord, or accomplished other remarkable acts of service for Him.

I am also reminded that God sees the ‘small stuff’ that perhaps often goes un-noticed by others. It may have been  just a few kind words spoken which have shown the love of Jesus to someone who is hurting, or a gospel tract given to a stranger. The person receiving the tract may give their life to Jesus as a result of a short, but clear, gospel message telling them about God's love and His willingness to forgive all who believe that He sent Jesus to die on the cross and be raised to life again to forgive all of their sins. That person may later lead several others to the Lord through their faith and trust in Jesus. Great things can result from something which seems so small.

Going back to my part in the musical show, the few words I spoke were important, as they were part of the story. Without them the script before and after would not have made sense. Although a small part, it was significant.

Perhaps you feel you are not doing anything big for God. But rest assured He does notice, and delight in, the little things we do for Him. He sets no targets which must be achieved in order to be acceptable to Him. Rather, He looks at our heart’s desire to please Him and give Him all the glory.