If I mentioned the name Billy Graham to you, you'd likely be familiar with the name and the impact he had on the landscape of American Christianity (and around the world) in the 20th century. He casts a large shadow. However, if I was to ask you about the men and/or women who were influential in discipling Graham, you, like me, wouldn't likely be familiar with the names listed.
LifeWay Research published numbers earlier this year that 57% of Protestant churches in America today have fewer than 100 people attending services each Sunday, including 21% who average fewer than 50. Only around 1 in 10 churches (11%) average 250 or more for their worship services. This means that very few people will ever have the reach and impact on a national and international level like that of Graham. Few of us will ever publish books like John Piper or D.A. Carson. Most of us won't serve as presidents of universities and seminaries like Albert Mohler or Ligon Duncan. We won't build impactful ministries like R.C. Sproul or Mark Dever. We won't lead megachurches of 1000's like David Platt or Matt Chandler. We may never, despite our best efforts, accomplish the things these men have accomplished, but this doesn't mean we can't or don't have an important role to play in God's plans.
In this week's lesson from Colossians, we learned about a number of men and women who played an important role in the Apostle Paul's ministry. We all know of the impact that Paul's ministry had on the spread of the gospel and the growth of the early church, but how often do we take time to reflect on the people who worked just as diligently "behind the scenes" to provide the support that Paul so desperately needed. The reality is that no great man or woman of God accomplishes great things for the kingdom alone. If you asked any of the men listed above, they would easily be able to provide you with a long list of people without whom they couldn't do what they do. Each and every one of them had people in their lives who took the time to invest in them and disciple them in the faith. Their ministry may not have reached a dozen people, let alone a thousand; but their faithfulness wasn't in vain.
Every week I get the opportunity to write this email that goes out to over 200 people. Of those recipients, I know that many may never even open it up. Even fewer may take the time to read what I write. From a wordly perspective, my work may be considered fruitless. Some may believe that my time could be better spent. Quite honestly, I really don't care. I don't write this email for those people. I don't write it for you. I don't even write it for myself. I do what I do because I hope and believe that God may use something I say or do to impact someone else who may go on to do great things for the kingdom. Or, maybe (I pray) that these reflections will help someone grow in some way in their walk with the Lord. If I can impact one person for God's glory and his kingdom, then I have not labored in vain.
The truth is, none of us know the plans of God. I doubt that the people who were investing in a young Billy Graham could have imagined where the trajectory of his life might lead him. In Paul's life, men like Tychicus, Epaphras, and Aristarchus played a significant role in his ministry. Without them, he likely wouldn't have been able to accomplish the work that God had set before him. That's why a good and sovereign God brought them into his life. History knows them only by the brief mention and commendation they receive here at the end of Paul's letter. It may seem like their impact in life was of little consequence. And yet, I am sure that their sacrifices and their faithfulness to God and to his servant Paul didn't go unnoticed in Heaven.
Too often, we view our labor in the faith through worldly eyes. We add up the costs of time and resources and compare it with the potential return on our investment. When we do the math, it may often seem to not be worth it. However, when we try to see things from God's perspective, when we invest prayerfully and faithfully, when we are willing to humbly sacrifice for his kingdom, the possibilities are endless on what God might accomplish in and through us. We may never have the impact of Billy Graham, but we might be investing in the person who one day will. On the other hand, all of our work may produce just one new soul won for Christ. In either case, we can rest in knowing that we will one day hear our Lord and Savior say, "well done, my good and faithful servant."
In Grace,
Chris Morris
If you missed this week's sermon (or just want to listen again), follow the link below to listen. Or subscribe to our podcast in iTunes.
Part 10 - The Christian Church
Questions discussed in this sermon:
1. What do these names teach us about the church?
2. Why does Paul do ministry with so many people?
3. What happened to Demas?
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