As an extremely self-conscious introvert, I find my natural inclination is to stay out of the limelight. That's in every aspect of my life. In class, I tend to keep my hand down. In group conversation, in many cases I've learned to shut my mouth. In ministry, I stay in the background. And with most ideas, they usually remain just that. I could go on, but you get the picture.
Now, there is a lot to be said against being too self-conscious, which I won't deny I often am personally. But beyond that, the tasks and projects comfortably performed by introverts and self-conscious folk are necessary. Not everyone was made for the center stage. Such being the case, it's perfectly normal, even biblical, for the various "body parts" to perform their respective functions. Or, as I've said before, the kitchen needs all of its utensils, and as cool as cheese graters are, we can't all be one.
So what about the rest? Is our "glory" less, just because we're not the center of attention? Well, yes and no. (No.) We simply don't get as much praise from other people for doing things like cleaning, maintenance, ushering, and other support positions. And it doesn't seem fair, because we often work just as hard, but then might feel like we're completely overlooked by our peers when it comes to recognition.
Obviously, as egocentric as this blog is, I wouldn't be writing about this if it weren't an issue for me. But there really does come a time to take a good look at the state of the heart and recognize that pride has gotten the better of me again.
What I'm saying is, who cares? So maybe people don't notice as much. But is that why I'm doing what I'm doing? Would I clean my apartment bathroom so that my roommate will thank me for it? No, I do it so that it'll be clean. Likewise, do I do ministry for peer recognition? No. It's for God. And regardless of whatever anyone else praises, acknowledges, or even notices, my ultimate aim is God's glory. And He is honored by a heart that seeks to do His will.
