I like to look at the trees in the fall when all the leaves are gone. As for the beauty, well, not so much. What you do see, however, is the support system for the beauty that will come later. That’s right, what we see are branches twisted, bent, shooting off in every direction, and yes, some broken ones.

The beauty you will see in the spring, summer and all the colored leaves in the fall are only possible because of the support of branches that are unseen most of the time.

It is the same in other areas. When we look at a house as we drive down the street, we don’t see all the supports and foundation. When attending an open house and observe the interior layout and furnishings, no one says, “Boy this house must have some foundation, and a lot of talented workers on the job.” No, we just enjoy the finished look.

When we look at a statue or monument, again we don’t see the foundation and all the work that was needed to place the memorial at a particular location. But we are glad someone did to remind us of a great past event.

Much of the work of the church within the local congregation, I think, is like that. What we see is the result of many support activities and behind the scenes work that takes place. Of course, we are thankful, yet many times we are unaware of who was involved.

Now, I am not suggesting that every time you are involved in a support role, you need or should expect to receive public recognition, although it is an excellent thing if your support activities are acknowledged in some way.

There are a number of Bible passages that instruct and encourage us to be involved in His work and be a good example. Such as:

Matthew 5:16, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

Luke 6:35, “But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.”

I Thessalonians 5:15, “See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone.”

Other passages include Gal 6:10; I Tim 6:17-18;

Titus 3:8 and I Peter 2:12

So what is the point? Simply put, get involved, if you are recognized and acknowledged or not. So, if you are not already involved, become a part of the unseen support team, that allows great and beautiful works to be done for the cause of Christ.

Dick Brant