<![CDATA[Calvin Presbyterian Church Kitchener

SERMON: Respect Those Who Labour Among You

Today is a day of thanksgiving—not thanksgiving for a harvest or for a particular blessing, but thanksgiving for people. It is an opportunity to give thanks for those who quietly serve, who faithfully show up, and who offer their time, energy, talents, and prayers for the work of God's Kingdom. As we celebrate our volunteers, we are invited to consider a simple but profound question: What makes a person great in the eyes of God?

The world has its own standards for greatness. It celebrates wealth, power, influence, and fame. It admires those whose names appear in newspapers or whose faces are seen on television. Yet God's measure of greatness is entirely different. In His Kingdom, greatness is not determined by prominence but by faithfulness. Jesus never promised, "Well done, famous servant," or "Well done, successful servant." Instead, He says, "Well done, good and faithful servant." Faithfulness is what God values.

One of life's greatest misunderstandings is the belief that only large accomplishments matter. Many people feel they have little to offer, thinking they are not gifted enough, too old, too young, or simply too busy. Scripture, however, repeatedly shows that God delights in using ordinary people who offer ordinary things with extraordinary faith. A little boy brought five loaves and two fish. Moses carried a shepherd's staff. David faced Goliath with a sling and five stones. A poor widow gave two small coins. None of these seemed impressive by human standards, yet God multiplied them all because He was not seeking impressive people but faithful ones.

Many who volunteer in the church will never stand behind a pulpit or hold visible leadership positions. Nevertheless, their service becomes a blessing to countless others. A warm smile at the church door, a phone call to someone who is lonely, a cup of coffee prepared after worship, flowers planted in the church garden, prayers offered faithfully at home, or hymns sung with joy may appear to be small acts. Yet in God's Kingdom, there are no small acts of love. Every expression of faithful service becomes part of His work.

The story of Dorcas, also known as Tabitha, beautifully illustrates this truth. She was neither an apostle nor a preacher nor a prominent leader in the church. The Bible simply describes her as being "full of good works and charitable deeds." She devoted herself to making garments for widows and helping those in need. When she died, the people gathered around Peter in tears, not displaying awards or titles but showing him the clothing she had lovingly made for them. Her simple acts of kindness had touched lives so deeply that they became her lasting testimony. At the end of life, people may not remember our achievements, but they often remember our kindness, generosity, and faithfulness.

The Apostle Paul compares the church to a human body in which every part has value. The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you," nor can the head say to the feet, "I don't need you." Every member contributes to the health of the whole. The same is true within the church. Some volunteers serve publicly while others work quietly behind the scenes. Some teach, organize, clean, pray, visit, encourage, prepare meals, maintain buildings, support financially, or simply listen to those who are hurting. Every role matters. When one part is missing, the entire body suffers; when each part serves faithfully, the whole church is strengthened.

A simple illustration helps capture this truth. A teacher once held up a pencil and asked her students what made it useful. They spoke about the wood, the lead, and the eraser. Finally, she explained that the pencil is useful because it allows itself to be held by a hand greater than itself. The same principle applies to believers. Our value does not come from our own strength or ability but from placing ourselves into God's hands. A pencil cannot write a sermon by itself, but someone can use it to do so. Likewise, a volunteer cannot change the world alone, but God can accomplish remarkable things through a willing servant.

The greatest reward for service does not come from earthly recognition but from the Lord Himself. One day every faithful servant will stand before Christ, and the true recognition banquet will begin. No human committee will organize it, and no earthly awards will be distributed. Jesus Himself will welcome His servants. What greater reward could there be than hearing Him say, "Well done, good and faithful servant"?

The Lord sees every act of service, whether public or hidden. He sees every prayer offered, every sacrifice made, every gift given, every visit to someone in need, every lesson taught, and every act of kindness. Even when no one else notices, God notices. Even when no one says thank you, God remembers. Nothing done in faithful love is overlooked by Him.

For this reason, heartfelt gratitude is due to all who serve within the church. Thanks belong to those who have labored faithfully for decades and to those who have only recently begun serving. Thanks belong to those who prepare, clean, teach, visit, pray, support, and quietly carry burdens that few others ever see. Their faithful service is building God's Kingdom and touching lives for Christ in ways that often cannot be measured.

The world measures greatness by success, but God measures greatness by faithfulness. The world rewards prominence, but God rewards service. The world notices celebrities, but God notices servants. May the church continue to serve faithfully, love generously, and use every gift for the glory of God, looking forward to the day when every faithful servant hears the gracious words of the Lord: "Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Lord." To God alone be the glory.