There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. (1 Corinthians 12:5)
Any golfer that makes it to the PGA Tour has a caddie. It may look like an easy job to some people: carry the golf bag, rake the bunkers, and tend the flag. A story about Angelo Argea, longtime caddie for Jack Nicklaus, would support that theory.
Argea was asked what Jack expected of him as his caddy. Argea reportedly replied, “Jack only wants two things. One is to let him know where he stands in the tournament. And two, if he is behind, remind him that he is the greatest player in the world.” I don’t know if the quote is true, but it makes for a great story.
Of course, a caddie’s role is much more important. There is a lot of preparation before the round even begins. Caddies must thoroughly study the golf course, knowing the rules, yardages, trouble areas, pin locations, and contours of the greens. They need to make sure all proper equipment and accessories are in the golf bag. During the round, the caddie constantly communicates with the player, confirming yardages and suggesting the right club.
The caddie also serves as an “on-course therapist.” They need to know the personality of their pro so they can say the right words at the right time – encouraging, motivating, and consoling as needed. Noted golf instructor Hank Haney says, “On a scale of 1 to 10, the caddie’s importance is a 10.” The players are the stars, but the caddies are the unsung heroes.
The Bible is filled with stories about stars and unsung heroes. Joseph is one of the stars in the Old Testament, but he survived a plot to kill him only because Reuben intervened and convinced his other brothers not to follow through on their plan.
Esther has an Old Testament book named after her, but Mordecai urges her to overcome her reluctance to act “in a time such as this,” thereby thwarting Haman’s evil plans.
When it comes to serving the Lord, all roles are important, even minor ones fulfilled by unsung heroes.
As we read John 1:35-42, we find the first disciple to be called by Jesus wasn’t Peter, James, or John; it was Andrew. Despite being the first, we don’t hear much about Andrew in the Bible. But Andrew was the one who introduced his brother Peter to Christ.
And because of that introduction, Peter became the leader of the disciples and the author of two books in the New Testament. That happened because Andrew was a faithful unsung hero among the disciples.
Our role in serving the Kingdom may receive lots of attention; there is nothing wrong with that. But when it comes to serving the Lord, all roles are important, even minor ones fulfilled by unsung heroes. Paul reminds us in Colossians 3:23, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” That’s a great reminder for all of us.
Prayer: Father, help us to put our ego aside and to serve in whatever role you call us to do obediently. Amen.