Are You A Backtist?

“I saw the pictures taken last Sunday. And guess how many shots I got?”, said Mark.

“How many?”, asked John.

“Only a few.” answered Mark.

“How’s that?”, queried John.

“Well, I always hide at the back of someone. As you may know, I am not only a Baptist but a Backtist as well.”, joked Mark.

Mark is a kind of guy that abhors limelight. He enjoys having a low profile. In fact, if someone is asked in his church, “Do you know Mark?” he will receive a peculiar look with the statement, “Mark who?”

Mark has the most unnoticeable ministry in the church. Teaching little kids while the adults are worshipping the Lord in the main hall. Sometimes, he helps in washing cups at the pantry. Cups that have been used by church goers when they had small talk at the reception area or visitors’ lounge.

His friends are the janitors, drivers, maidservants of the rich members of the church. He seldom talks to the church leaders. He just do his tasks silently. Unnoticeably.

Are you just like Mark? Do you feel that you are insignificant that you always hie away?

In this modern world where leadership is being promoted or advanced, Mark’s attitude is deemed unfavorable.

Today’s philosophy is that if you want to be great you have to lead.

This attitude can also be seen in the Bible though.

In Mark 9:33-37 we can find the story about the disciples who are arguing who is the greatest among them.

As I read this passage this morning I can’t help but picture in my mind what transpired during their travel. I also imagined that there was a man who was so introverted that he just sat at the corner while the disciples were arguing. Let’s say he was doing the humblest and most unpopular task during Jesus’ time.

And all twelve disciples were so popular by virtue of their positions and because they were always around Jesus.

Good thing that Jesus knew what was in their minds. Jesus asked them about it (verse 33) but the disciples did not answer because they were arguing who is the greatest among them (verse 34).

Lo and behold, Jesus repudiated their wrong notion about leadership and greatness. He said that it is good to be humble and be the servant (verse 35). We know that being a servant is not being held in high esteem. That is both during Jesus time and the modern world.

To emphasize his point more, Jesus said that serving children is a noble work (verses 36-37). We know that children are said to be powerless as compared to adults. They don’t have that influence yet. Therefore, serving them can be considered a lowly function.

My friend, if your work in God’s kingdom seems to be unnoticeable. If your work seems to be inconsequential. If you feel insignificant – may the word of Jesus be an encouragement to you.

“Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me." Mark 9:37