Chapel Service

“Credit? …or Not?”

Evergreen Speedway

Monroe, WA

August 12, 2017

Bob Butcher

When Jesus got the news about John, He slipped away by boat to an out-of-the-way place by Himself. But unsuccessfully—someone saw Him and the word got around. Soon a lot of people from the nearby villages walked around the lake to where He was. When He saw them coming, He was overcome with pity and healed their sick.

When evening arrived, His disciples came to Him saying, “This is an isolated place and the hour is already late. Send the crowds away so that they can go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” But Jesus replied, “They don’t need to go. You give them something to eat.”

Can you picture their shock and awe? ‘What? Us? …How?, What Jesus? Are you crazy? We don’t have…’

Then, how about the guy who thought he better hide his bread inside his coat and keep from sharing?  There had to be a few of them.  I bet they were rocked after this all went down!  They missed God’s blessing also.

 “All we have are five loaves of bread and two fish,” they said.  Jesus said, “Bring them here.” Then he had the people sit on the grass. He took the five loaves and two fish, lifted his face to heaven in prayer, blessed, broke, and gave the bread to the disciples. The disciples then gave the food to the congregation. They all ate their fill. They gathered twelve baskets of leftovers. About five thousand were fed.”  (Matthew 14:13-21) GBB

You see God created ALL of us with a plan to use us in His Kingdom.

Its all about Him and that we glorify Him by our choices whether we get credit or not.

Also, in Isaiah 42:8 God clearly says He will not share His glory or praise due Him.  But in all reality He clearly allows us to gain recognition for our works by other people.

All of us like to receive credit for what we do.  That is a big area of pride within our sport for sure.  Yes, the driver gets all the accolades for sure but usually credits his team behind the scenes, though often without name …there are just too many and it’s usually first out of the car and so much going on in Victory Lane.

Those of us out here are all behind the scene of the drivers.  Whether you are pit crew, officials, sponsors, or even diverse roles like myself we all make our sport look good or bad.  Let’s make it look good and please the Lord our Creator.  He gave each of us the talent to develop for what we do here.

And, there are so many crowns & credit that are due to everyone who has helped Kathy and me in so many ways over 31 years of ministry with Youth With A Mission (YWAM) and 21 years now with MROA out here with each one of you.

It’s the same in most of life, and in the Bible record too.  For each of those of us who for a long time go completely un-credited for our vital contribution let’s look at scripture and take note.

In the body of Christ there are often people that faithfully support others who take a more public role. Consider these:

  • The apostle Paul depended on exactly that kind of person in his ministry. Tertius’s work as a scribe gave Paul his powerful written voice (Rom. 16:22).
  • Epaphras’s consistent behind-the-scene prayers were an essential foundation for Paul and the early church (Col. 4:12–13).
  • Lydia generously opened her home when the weary apostle needed restoration (Acts 16:15).
  • Paul’s work could not have been possible without the support he received from these fellow servants in Christ (vv. 7–18).

The secret of true service is absolute faithfulness wherever God places you.

We may not always have highly visible roles, yet we know that God is pleased when we obediently play our essential part in His plan.

“Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, and always be outstanding  in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58) GBB

When we “give ourselves fully to the work of the Lord,” we will find value and meaning in our service as it brings glory to God and draws others to Him

“You’re here to be light. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”  (Matthew 5:16) GBB

Maybe let this be your prayer: Lord, help me to obediently do my part in the role You have chosen for me.

The secret of true service is absolute faithfulness wherever God places you.

God NEVER overlooks anything we do for His glory and never will.  THOSE will be the REAL and MOST VALUABLE rewards!

 

May your NASCAR K&N Pro Series race be blessed and successful

…no matter what your role or responsibility is!