GRINDERS

READ:
1 Corinthians 16:13-18

They have devoted themselves to the ministry of the saints.
-1 Corinthians 16:15

An America's Cup yacht has a crew of 16 people,including the navigator,the helmsman,and the mastmen.But the bost could not compete without the relentless work of the five "grinders"-the men who turn the heavy cranks that control the sails.

In a USA Today article,a grinder described his role this way:"A grinder at the America's Cup level is simliar to a tight end in football.We need strength to provide the physical energy to power the boat around the race course.Essentially,our job is to turn the handles to raise and lower the sails and jibe/tack the sails from one side of the boat to the other."

In the work of Christ,many jobs get noticed.Some have to do with determining strategy,others with steering the course.But unless there are a lot of grinders-those men and women who are willing to work faithfully at the unglamorous roles-His work cannot go forward.

Are you a grinder?Keep at it,as did the household of Stephenas of whom Paul spoke so highly in today's Scripture.We know little about these people except that Paul commended their diligent work for the cause of Christ's church.

You faithfulness and strength are far more important than you realize.Our Captain is depending on you!

Think not your work of no account,

Although it may be small;

The Lord knows well your faithfulness,

He knows you gave your all.

*****

THE WORLD CROWNS SUCCESS;

GOD CROWNS FAITHFULNESS.