Reflections: The quiet faithful

Regular readers know I journal during my Bible study time, writing thoughts about how to apply the Scriptures and occasionally, something to share. This morning, though, while following up on some ideas from my notes, I felt prompted by the Holy Spirit to take a different direction. So, here goes. 

It’s nearly impossible to listen to news without hearing about some scandal or accusation, usually financial fraud or sexual abuse. Sadly, several Christian leaders have been accused of abuse or impropriety, including some whom I’ve heard speak. People my age know it’s actually nothing new. Recent headlines, although the allegations are unproven as of this writing, involve a pastor I’ve met personally and visited their church. Other situations involve educators, and recently, a former Branson show couple. Oh yeah, and those Epstein files. 

From working with domestic abuse agencies, I know bad behavior isn’t limited to high-profile people. What we don’t hear enough about, though, is the many people in ministry, education, or entertainment who do NOT engage in these behaviors. 

If you have a negative opinion about church leaders, maybe you just don’t see the right ones. 

For every questionable church leader, there are many pastors faithfully serving churches of all sizes, leading them in blessing their communities. At smaller churches, pastors often work side jobs to feed their families while being respected by the entire community as an unofficial chaplain. Several such pastors and leaders have been inspirational in my life. 

This train of thought started when I stumbled across a saved link from my dad’s obituary, five years ago. Tears came as I re-read the condolences: “Ralph was humble and kind, a great patriot and great human.” “Your dad was so instrumental in my early years as a Christian. He didn’t just tell people what to do; he took time to explain the process.” “He was a gentleman that I never heard a bad word said about.” 

Dad became a Christian after serving in World War II, and faithfully served over the years as a deacon, fill-in pulpit minister, jail ministry leader, prayer group coordinator and maintenance handyman. After his passing, I found among his papers a receipt indicating that he had paid for a grand piano. My mind went back decades, to a small-town church struggling to weather a downturn in the aircraft industry and in danger of their piano being repossessed, when one day the music store called the pastor to say it was taken care of. Now I knew the rest of the story. 

My Uncle Ray was a deacon Bible teacher, and fill-in pastor in a rural church. In spite of complications from severe war injuries, I heard stories of him, after putting up his own hay, doing that big job for a farmer who had suffered an accident. His generosity helped another church in his area with needed building repairs, and both he and Dad contributed to organizations benefiting other veterans.

Except for Veterans Day, neither my dad nor my uncle received accolades for their quiet faithfulness, nor did my childhood pastors. I believe they took to heart the Apostle Paul’s admonition in 1 Thessalonians 4:11 to “aspire to live quietly, to attend to your own matters, and to work with your own hands, as we instructed you.” 

Bad leaders have been around throughout history. It would tempting to focus on bad news, bail on certain denominations, or even turn from Christianity altogether. The Bible assures us, though, that evil deeds are not hidden from God, but neither are good ones. The Holy Spirit’s prompting this morning reminded me to focus on the “quiet faithful,” those who serve with little or no earthly recognition but will eventually hear “Well done!” from our Lord.