A man of God was taken to heaven in a revelation where he found himself before the Lord and others receiving their rewards. After he was called upon to receive his own reward, another old woman was called. The older woman received a reward bigger than his. Then he started protesting. He told God that the woman was a member of his church who practically did nothing in the church while on earth.
To his utter amazement, he was told that the old woman was the one who bore the church and ministry in prayers and intercession, leading to his great exploits on earth. He learnt something about silent labours.
Friend, there are silent labours that Heaven reckons with today even if they are unnoticed on earth. There are unsung heroes that hold a special place in the program of God both in time and eternity. Like Uriah, there are people who the world may never celebrate, but they are selfless and loyal even to the point of death (2 Samuel 11:1-17).
Uriah may not have written any of the books of the Bible. He may not have raised any dead or performed any miracle. He may not be a pastor, a choir leader, the MD of a company, or any of such obvious office holders. But he is sure one of those very few people that make significant contributions even though unnoticed (1 Corinthians 15:58).
You need to be comfortable with silent labours. It begins with a change of attitude and practice as you relate at work, church, family, and society at large. You need to learn from and emulate men like Epaphras who would take up the burden of intercession for a whole church, family, and organisation (Colossians 4:12).
You will do well to follow the lifestyle of men like Epaphroditus, who would serve other people and Kingdom courses even at the detriment of their own very life when necessary (Philippians 2:25-30). You also need to join the league of men like Barnabas who would bring encouragement to their leaders and also sacrifice what is precious to them so that others would not lack (Acts 4:36-37).
These may not be Apostles, Billionaires, Political office holders, highly placed people etc., but their heart, labours and sacrifices will not go unrewarded; their labours go before them as a memorial that cannot be forgotten (Nehemiah 2:20, Matthew 26:13). Truly, there are silent labours and labourers in the kingdom. You can be one of them.
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria