Unsung Heroes

An unsung hero is defined as “One who does great deeds but receives little or no recognition for them.” A Google search will lead you to all kinds of people who have made considerable contributions in a variety of fields – politics, justice, war, medicine, education, and agriculture. Most of the names would be unfamiliar to you. Perhaps you would recognize their name, but not realize the scope of their contribution. While our actions often seem to go unnoticed, there is a part in all of us that desires recognition for who we are and what we have accomplished.

Jesus’ disciples struggled with the desire to be recognized. In the Gospels, the disciples are found arguing over who was the greatest, asking Jesus who would be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven, and in Matthew 20, the mother of James and John actually asked Jesus if her boys could sit on his right and his left when Jesus established himself as ruler of the kingdom.

Jesus shocked them with his response. “Whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:26-28)

Greatness in the kingdom of God comes through serving others. This wasn’t just lip service Jesus gave to his disciples. Jesus, the greatest of all time to walk this earth, came not to be served and doted on. Jesus came and lived a life of service, to the very extreme of giving up his life so that we might live.

I’m thankful to be part of a church full of unsung heroes. Great acts of service were carried out all last month at Canal Lake Bible Camp. CLBC lives off volunteer manpower! Hundreds served in various capacities. Teaching, music, cleaning, cooking, praying, counseling, leading, maintenance, devotions, snack shack, and more. You came, you served and you were part of the team.

Campers' lives were changed. Relationships with God and fellow believers were strengthened. Many accepted Christ as their Savior. Kids grew in their faith and understanding of God. All because unsung heroes came and served. I hope that you were thanked for your role in the camp. If you weren’t, let me tell you that your actions did not go unnoticed. Every person needed to fulfill their role so the goal could be accomplished:

God’s love and His truth were poured into the lives of 500 kids. They will never be the same.

Thank you!