Laymen/The Unsung Heroes
Had God not called me to preach, as I now look back, I would have considered it a great honor and privilege to have lived my life among the ranks of the laity. Where would preachers be in the absence of these saints in the shadows? I must embarrassingly admit that as a young pastor I thought of myself a notch above my people, but now realize, in reality, I was less than the least of any of my dear flock.
Some years ago, I preached a sermon at a camp meeting in Mt. Airy, North Carolina. In the message I exalted lay-people. Afterward, an elderly couple that had been in that particular church for thirty years, said to me, “Preacher, until I heard you tonight, I always considered myself a second-class Christian.
In this “Nicolaitan” (clergy above the people) age, many today are of the same opinion. It might be well to remember, our Lord spent thirty years as a layman, doing carpenter work, and only three as a preacher.
A little kindergarten girl tried out for her school's Christmas play. Her mother knew she didn't have a chance, but tried not to discourage her from trying. Picking her up after tryouts, expecting a tearful daughter, she instead saw a jubilant little girl. Running to the car, she cried, "Oh, mother, mother, I got the part. I get to clap and cheer!" And so can we my friends.
by an Old Disciple