Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the Lord's work, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
1 Corinthians 15:58
The first time I coached little league baseball we didn't do too well in the opening tournament, but it didn't matter. Every member of our team still got a trophy. I remember one of the little boys asking, "Why did we get a trophy? We didn't do anything." Sometimes you have to love the insight of a child. That loss motivated us. We worked hard, and actually ended up making the all-stars that year.
Sometimes we give "participation awards," but sometimes we give awards for much more than just showing up. We had the joy of doing that Sunday morning. Marylene Lawrence has been a steady, consistent servant of the Lord and this church for over 50 years. We recognized that Sunday morning. She didn't want us to, but we did anyway. We celebrated what God can and will do with a willing vessel. We encouraged one another with the knowledge that what we do in His service for His kingdom and His people is not forgotten.
We taught His Word, we worshiped His name, we honored His servants, we remembered His death and renewed our hope at His return as we ate the Lord's Supper. Then we enjoyed the fellowship of His Spirit and His people by breaking bread together. After lunch, we returned to the worship center and ordained four men to the deacon servant ministry. These men were not ordained to serve. They were ordained because they already serve. Tony, David, Eric, and Dustin are not the only men who serve at our church. Marylene is not the only servant. They are part of a corps of men and women who serve the Lord, His Kingdom, and His people.
It was a good day. Thank you, Lord, for those who do so much more than just show up. Thank you for the servants. Thank you that they are the greatest in Your Kingdom, and that their labor in You will not be forgotten.
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