When Nobody Knows Your Name

It’s probably happened to you…you’re part of an effort to make something come about and you contribute with everything you have to make it a success. Then, when it’s over, you come away unfulfilled because your name was never mentioned as a contributor. Sometimes you put in all the effort and someone else gets the credit…and they don’t even bother to point you out.

It’s not that you don’t want to serve or give of yourself, it just that you’d like a bit of recognition for your efforts. It’s a matter of fairness, of appreciation and respect. You want to contribute and to be recognized for your efforts. It’s not that you’re looking for more than you deserve, just a mention would be sufficient.

The Bible tells of a great number of individuals that are so well known that they only need to be introduced by their first name—Abraham, Moses, David, Peter…but it also mentions names that we never hear about again. Names like Procorus, Parmenas and Nicolas from Antioch. They don’t seem quite as familiar, unless you’re a Bible-quiz specialist.

These names, Procorus, Parmenas and Nicolas, happen to be 3 of 7 individuals mentioned in a passage found in Acts, Chapter 6. They are part of the cast of members in a narrative about the early church.

There was much excitement in Jerusalem at the time. The number of new believers was increasing and the apostles were continuously teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ. But something happened that brought everything to a screeching halt.

Basically, one group of believers (Grecian) began complaining about another group (Hebraic), because their widows were not being included in the daily meals on chariot-wheels program.

This issue caused the apostles to stop proclaiming the good news and to assemble ALL of the other followers together. In their meeting, they identified 7 men full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom and put them over the program.

Most of these men, we never hear about again. Yet the result of their hard work and efforts in resolving the problem enabled others to once again focus on proclaiming the gospel.

And the great thing is that the story ends by stating that the number of disciples increased RAPIDLY afterward. The original Greek words used, describe the results in terms of “multiplying violently.” That’s an exciting result!

So here’s a lesson when no one recognizes your efforts. Remind yourself that there is a greater result because of your involvement. Yes, it may be true that you didn’t get the recognition deserved. But to continue focusing on that issue will only serve to move you in a downward spiral of disappointment, pity and self-interest.

It is especially rewarding when your efforts are supporting and enabling the “violent growth” of God’s kingdom. Why not consider purposefully providing anonymous service to others in His Name? This is the kind of selfless action He asks of us. And remember—service to others is really service to Him.

Comments

[Bob Souer]

Dave,

I really appreciate your thoughts here. Thank you for the challenge and encouragement.

Your servant in Christ,
Bob

[Joel Folstad]

Dave,

You are on point as always.
I would love to hear your thoughts on Acts 19:11-17.

Joel