Many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first. (Matt. 19:30)
SHE PULLS UP to the dark building before the sun comes up. She has never liked drawing attention to the job she does. While the neighbor is making his morning coffee, he glances out his kitchen window and notices her getting out of her car. She runs up the steps to the small church. It is only five in the morning.
Once inside, she begins her work. While the neighbors are still slumbering, she vacuums carefully between every row of pews. Her kind heart knows where each congregant sits. She says a prayer for them as she passes their respective seats. Her worn hands collect last week’s bulletins, papers, and tissues. Her attention to detail makes sure every Bible and hymnal is tucked in its correct place. No one notices when she does her job well.
The sun is at last starting to rise, and the neighborhood is waking up. Her work is complete. She hurries home to change into fresh clothes, and returns to worship with her church family.
Christians are called to live in service to others. Matthew 19:30 states, “But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.” We may be thankful for those who lead publicly, but a heavenly perspective reminds us that we need to value silent servants too.
Serve others faithfully, even when no one notices.
Amy Knepp is a graduate of Indiana Wesleyan University and is a stay-at-home mother of four children.
