Romans 16:14-15 (NKJV)

“Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren who are with them. Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them.”

It’s amazing just to imagine this great cloud of quiet witnesses, who silently watch us as we serve. They served before us and though we don’t know them, they are observing every move we make and how we make it. There are millions of godly saints who served valiantly and were never honored in this world, but they gave their all for Jesus and His kingdom. They were satisfied to labor unknown and unrecognized by men, although they knew that heaven recognized them. It’s exciting as well as fearful to contemplate these silent brethren; knowing that my way of service may either bring them joy or sorrow. They actively observe all who serve in the name of the King.

Look at some of their names again: Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, Philologus, Julia, Nereus and Olympas. We don’t hear of them again beyond this point. And how many more of such men and women worked with Paul and served with him – all for the sake of advancing the kingdom. It may be one of God’s greatest lessons to us, to be willing to embrace “quiet labors” for Jesus. Don’t struggle for your name and title to be out there, known to all and recognized by all. These quiet laborers are teaching us the discipline of self-effacing service; that type of ministry that does not draw any attention to our person, but only to Jesus. What a lesson worth putting into practice.

“Self loves human praise Lord, and self loves recognition. O Lord, by reason of Your work on the cross, self no longer has power over me. I choose to serve in quietness, and I only want announcement if it’ll somehow lead to the promotion of the kingdom cause. Let it always be so Lord. In Your name I pray. Amen.”