DAILY BREAD, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2007
MISSED WHEN ABSENT
Neal Pollard
Neal Pollard
There is a natural crisis developing across our nation, a problem that could have enormous ecological and economical impact. The honey worker bees are disappearing, and nobody knows exactly why. They just know what implications their disappearance has on us all. The disappearance even has a technical name now: "Colony Collapse Disorder" (CCD). The most disturbing aspect is there are no dead bodies anywhere and the hives look normal on the outside. Theories include pesticides, predators, and people (of course), but nothing is apparent. Entomologists and apiologists remind us that bees pollinate one-third of the world's food supply, but who besides them ever gives thought to these quiet, diligent workers?
Think about how many in the church are like the honey bee. They work almost undetectably, behind the scenes and unheralded. Without them, however, much work would go undone. Occasionally, these workers may get discouraged by opposition, unappreciation, and criticism. In some instances, they may be prone to give up and "disappear." Yet, think about what happens to the life and work of a congregation that loses or lacks these quiet workers. Bulletin boards aren't decorated. Kitchens aren't cleaned. Tract racks aren't stocked. Shut-ins and the sick aren't contacted. Cards aren't sent. People aren't encouraged and new Christians and new members aren't exhorted. Visits aren't made. Individually, these workers may not be able to do much, but collectively their impact is huge! There works may be most noticeable when we become aware they cannot or do not do them anymore. To those of you who work like these "honey bees," we give you due honor and recognition (cf. Rom. 12:15). Your work is significant and essential. We know where we would be without you, and we dread the thought. Please do not be weary in well-doing (Gal. 6:9). We notice you, and we need you!
Think about how many in the church are like the honey bee. They work almost undetectably, behind the scenes and unheralded. Without them, however, much work would go undone. Occasionally, these workers may get discouraged by opposition, unappreciation, and criticism. In some instances, they may be prone to give up and "disappear." Yet, think about what happens to the life and work of a congregation that loses or lacks these quiet workers. Bulletin boards aren't decorated. Kitchens aren't cleaned. Tract racks aren't stocked. Shut-ins and the sick aren't contacted. Cards aren't sent. People aren't encouraged and new Christians and new members aren't exhorted. Visits aren't made. Individually, these workers may not be able to do much, but collectively their impact is huge! There works may be most noticeable when we become aware they cannot or do not do them anymore. To those of you who work like these "honey bees," we give you due honor and recognition (cf. Rom. 12:15). Your work is significant and essential. We know where we would be without you, and we dread the thought. Please do not be weary in well-doing (Gal. 6:9). We notice you, and we need you!
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