William Lindsay White, author of They Were Expendable, wrote of the price paid by soldiers in fighting losing battles in WWII. They stayed on the line when staying meant they would die doing their duty; or would be captured, which could be a fate equal to death. They obeyed orders, without knowing why they were issued, or knowing how it would affect the battle's outcome. The "little guys"—the expendables—saw only a frame of the "big picture" while "movers and shakers, decision makers" called Generals and Admirals saw the intended action inside. They Were Expendable, 187
Christians are often themselves "the little guys", the "expendables", expected to simply "tough it out" in serving Christ. Only a few Ministerial leaders get national attention, and they sometimes in negative ways. Few Christ-centered ministries achieve national coverage, and they never in sufficient amounts, given they good they do. But does any disciple, however anonymous, underpaid or unappreciated, go unrewarded? Isn't the sense of doing one's best for Jesus, whatever it is, a reward? Or the awareness of persevering in a task a reward? Or accepting service in a role we'll do only because Jesus wants it a reward? In addition, think of this. While soldiers on the line may not see the big picture known to Generals, every Christian is part of THE BIG PICTURE, even if we have only a small role. The combined effort of all Christians world-wide accumulates a vast storehouse of spiritual Grace that's loosed in communities everywhere. Just as the 31 we had at Cypress Court yesterday, October 24, numbered only an infinitesimal few of the billions worshipping God in Christ world-wide. Be faithful, brothers and sisters in Christ. He who sends us to serve also equips us to succeed. And whatever success we enjoy, KNOWING the Living God and the Christ he sent will always exceed any other apparent reward.
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