When No One is Applauding

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be

ye steadfast, unmoveable, always

abounding in the work of the Lord,

forasmuch as ye know that your

labour is not in vain in the Lord.

I Corinthians 15:58

In our society, we have become quite used to hearing applause. We hear applause at ballgames, concerts, parades, voice or piano recitals and in many churches. It has become the custom to clap after any special music or accomplishment at any number of events.

Applause is defined as a physical exertion where we slap our two hands together in order to create a sound of approval. However, I've been in settings where it is appropriate to make no sound at all after another person's accomplishment. People can show their approval with a big smile, approving nod of the head or a quiet gesture with the hands such as a thumbs up.

What is the purpose of applause? It is primarily a way of saying to someone(s) that they have done a great job. Sometimes the applause can be almost insulting when in a group of people, only 4 or 5 clap, which sounds weak and most insincere.

The bottom line is that applause is not just a sign of approval but is meant to be of great encouragement. We live in a day where life is very fast-paced in most places. People can be unkind and not very thoughtful of the needs of others. Compliments and words of praise may not come our way on any kind of a regular basis. Encouragement can be scarce even within a group of close friends. Everyone today has their own problems and concerns.

So even though certain folks will not be able to hear my applause, there are some I wish to applaud and you could add to this list and in some cases, write a note or just express a sincere “thank you” to them. Right now, I'm thinking of the average church and the unsung workers who keep the place going week after week. Here goes:

Thank you to:

...the church pianist/organist who has been at the job for any number of years. She has not only played for the services but has attended rehearsals for choir practices and for special music groups. She may be on call for weddings and funerals and playing for Bible School opening rallies. She has new music to learn when no one else sees her hours of practice. Whether paid or not, the job is often a lonely and thankless one. Play on, sitters on the bench!!!

...the maintenance personnel. They usually have to show up early to get the temperature adjusted and the doors open. They clean bathrooms, empty waste cans, dust, vacuum and may get calls day or night when there's an emergency with the facilities. Appreciate you!!!

...nursery workers. Some have been in the church nursery so many years they've raised about two generations of babies. They've changed diapers that contains all sorts of surprises, been spit up on, kicked, and screamed at. We won't even mention the verbal abuse they often endure from particular parents. These workers are the first church people to have contact with the new baby or it's 3 year old toddler brother. They often spend their own money on snacks and even some diapers for those empty diaper bags. You are candidates for sainthood.!!

...pastors/Sunday school teachers. Yes, the pastor is paid to preach but there are times when a pat on the back that is sincere would be a welcome change. There are teachers who spend hours preparing lessons for their classes. Sometimes a class member will give a word of encouragement but most often, not. Study on friends, because there are some who listen!!

...choir members. Take a look at the average church choir and you'll see there folks with very gray hair or balding heads. Many times there are choir members who have been in the church choir since they were teenagers. They've attended more rehearsals than they could ever count let alone all of the rehearsals for special events. They may have lost at least 3 lbs in sweat wearing a heavy choir robe for the morning service but smile and sing anyway. They have been faithful no matter the season or weather. Let's hear it for the choir!!!!

...ushers. Take a look in the average church at offering time. In all probability, again you'll find gray hair or balding heads. Some have “ushed” for as long as they can remember. They've greeted people and passed out more visitor's cards than they could possibly count. They are expected to smile when they don't feel like it and have to find a seat for visitors who happened to sit in a “reserved seat” that members insisted on sitting in. Thanks guys!!!

...and on and on the list goes....parking lot attendants, PA workers, prayer captains, children's choir workers, Vacation Bible School workers, lawn care, special events planners, and you can add to the list.

Bottom line is, we shouldn't crave the accolades of others for serving the Lord. I don't read in Scripture where Jesus got a lot of pats on the back. He got a lot of stripes on His back which weren't meant to show any appreciation. He paid the greatest price that could be paid for you and me. Even with 10 being healed by Jesus, only one came back to say “thank you.” So I guess things haven't changed much...people will be people even though they don't always mean to be ungrateful.

We're coming up on summer. It's during that time that churches suffer when many church workers decide to take a three month vacation from church. It's during that time that we gain a new appreciation for those who faithfully stick with the stuff. One time, I played an offertory on the organ entitled “His Eye is on the Sparrow.” I had worked my fingers to the bone on that thing and doubted anyone would pay attention but what I was doing, I was doing for the Lord. That night when I got to the organ for the evening service, there sat a small ceramic bird with a note that simply said “Thanks.” I still don't know to this day who put that bird on the organ. That had to be 30 years ago and I still have that bird. It's carried me a long way in these years of serving the Lord and am so grateful for someone's thoughtfulness that meant the world to a weary organist that evening.

A word to all church workers...at the end of a service as you walk to your car, in case you haven't noticed, there won't be a crowd of people on either side of you waving flags and singing your praises for jobs well done. You will probably drag yourself home, eat a sandwich and take a nap. No one will notice, there will be no applause, no great words of appreciation. One thing you can know that Jesus saw everything and He is pleased. His “Well done” is really all I need after serving Him the best I can.

Thank You Father, for the ways You have gifted me to serve You. May I seek only Your approval and not the temporary accolades of people. Thank You for the privilege of being a part of Your work. In Jesus' precious name....Amen