Have you ever been or know someone who’s worked as an extra in a
movie?
You can make up to around $300 a day, but mainly have to wear
your own clothing, and if a woman, do your own makeup and hair styling. You show
up ready to be in the movie. The only time they make you up or give you clothing
would be for period movies, or zombie movies, etc. LOL!
And you usually don’t get to see the main actors (or stars) of
the movies.
Being an extra seems like a good deal, but, that $300 a day
is pittance compared to the money the stars of the movie make. Plus, they are
lavished and pampered and get makeup and clothes. And if the movie is a hit,
they get all the glory and honor.
I don’t know, but it seems that many of us as Believers see
ourselves as extras in God’s scheme of things. We don’t think our part is big
or important.
Extra…A background actor or extra is
a performer in a film, television show, stage, musical, opera or ballet
production, who appears in a nonspeaking or nonsinging (silent) capacity,
usually in the background for example, in an audience or busy street scene).
We are bombarded with so many famous preacher/evangelist
personalities that folks view them as the stars of Christendom! And don’t forget the hierarchy of the individual
congregations and denomination boards. We also see them with large roles.
Many church services consist of praise and worship teams, musicians, dancers, flag carriers and so much more before we even
get to the Word. Yeah, we see them as stars of sorts too. And here we are,
little old us, sitting in a cubby 5 days a week, doing the same tedious job over-and-over. No one really praises us, or gets excited to see us. Not like
when Pastor Handsome comes out and the congregation stands, and the music wells
up and everyone starts to clap. No! That’s for the stars and the stars only!
Wrong!
In the Kingdom of God, there are no stars and there are no
extras! There are no fillers to make others look good. Nope! We all have a
story...written especially for us. We are all considered by God. We all have a special part to play—in this
thing called, “Life!” We don’t have to take care of ourselves and show up. He provides
for all that belong to Him.
Recently a young man was knifed to death helping a young
mother and her baby at a bus stop.
A mentally ill man tried to attack a woman and her baby, and
a bystander stepped in to help. He was stabbed several times (enabling the
woman to run and scream for help) and died at the scene. When they interviewed
his friends there were so many tears. He was well known in the area because of
his skateboarding. As I watched the story, it was heartbreaking and at first
sight seemed so senseless, but then I thought, “What if that was his role in
life?” Yes, his role in this life was to be there at that particular time to
save that young mother and her child. What if that had been his purpose all
along?
Wow!
To the natural eye, he would seem like an extra. Friendly enough
guy, well liked, but out of work and trying to get himself together. Yeah, that
would be extra. Not a real star—doing nothing great for others to see. But if
you look at the fact that he gave up his life for someone he did not know—that
is not the life or fate of an extra.
Just because we are only known or recognized
by a few, doesn’t mean the story God has written for us, is not important. In
fact, it could be so important that someone’s life depends on it.
We could live an entire lifetime and have
just one purpose in life, but nonetheless it is still great!
Why?
Because it is what God has chosen for us.
Moses’ mother was here to give birth to him.
The same goes for Samuel’s mother. They were not allowed to raise them, but
their purpose was to give birth to two men God used greatly. Were these women
extras, or did they have a most excellent role?
You see sisters, your kind and gentle spirit
can persuaded someone to seek out our Lord. That coworker who has watched you
day in and day out, and wondered what it is that makes you tick. The one who
can’t figure out why you don’t lose your temper when mistreated? Why you are never part of the office gossip and complaints? Why is it you always have a
kind word for those who really don’t deserve it?
With all the preachers and evangelist on television,
the internet, church podiums and the radio—many are still going to be saved through
a one-on-one interaction with a Believer. In other words, if it wasn’t for
you—Sally may have never seen the light of Christ.
As human beings we like numbers. We like to
count and give reports on how many (during an evangelistic outreach) gave a
profession to Christ. Pastors get together and brag about how many people
belong to the congregation they head. Yeah, we think numbers are important, but
I can tell you—God is not impressed.
Look at David; he got in trouble for
counting when God told him not too! During the wall of Jericho event, God
dwindle the numbers way down. Why? So, no one could stick their chest out and
claim it was achieved by the number of men. I would have to say, “God is not into
numbers at all!”
Bottom line…whatever it is that you are
doing in this particular season of life—if it is ordained and ordered by God—it
has purpose and is a good thing!
If your life is only to make a difference in
the life of just one other person—you have a lead role. And your
reward will not be the accolades of men, but the declaration of our Lord, “Job
well done, my good and faithful servant!”
There
are no extras in the Kingdom. We all have an important and great role in God's end plan.
Until next week...
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