Do you stay for the credits when you go to the movies? I did last night. They usually run for about five minutes rolling hundreds of names up the screen. Each time I watch, I am amazed at how many different people it takes to make a movie—and most of them are not actors. Movie credits recognize the people who are not seen on the screen. Directors, photographers, stagehands, bookkeepers, costumers, chefs, and bus drivers, all get their names on the screen. They even have credits for jobs I know nothing about. How do you get to be a key grip or a foley operator? Is there a school for that?
All these movie credits illustrate Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 12 about spiritual gifts. Every spiritual gift is needed to make a church. Some of the gifts receive more attention, but they are not more important. As Paul puts it, “On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable.” (verse 22)
I’ve noticed there are no Academy Awards for key grips or foley operators, so I’m glad to see they get at least some notice in the credits. Unfortunately, in churches, many talents are never recognized. I am aware of Jesus’ words, “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:1) That’s the difference between working for God and working for a motion picture studio. However, Jesus was talking to those seeking recognition, not those serving faithfully in the background. No one’s gifts should be ignored. Who might you recognize by saying thank you?