Brother Wayne Jackson once wrote an article in which he stated, “As far as I am able to determine, medical science has yet to find out any purpose for the appendix.” Since that article was written, some evidence has come to light showing that the appendix plays a role in the function of the human immune system.

So what? Just because we don’t (or didn’t) know the exact reason for the appendix, it doesn’t mean it wasn’t doing some work for us. Likewise, in the body of Christ, the fruits of one’s labors may not be evident to us, but that doesn’t mean they are not laboring.

There are many who do their work in the kingdom behind the scenes, privately encouraging those who need encouragement through cards, calls, and visits. It would be foolish to suggest that such things are not needed, or that those who perform such tasks are not important in the kingdom of Christ.

Just as the different members of our physical bodies have different functions, so the different members of the spiritual body of Christ have different functions. Not everyone serves in a public way as an elder, or a deacon, or a Bible class teacher—but everyone must function in some way! Consider carefully Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 12:21-22, and respect and support your fellow workers in their tasks.

Always keep in mind that what you do, even if it is not seen by men, is seen by God. “For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil” (Ecclesiastes 12:14). For this reason, we should be diligent in our service for the Lord. “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” (Galatians 6:9).

Whether you are a hand, a foot, an eye, an ear, or even an appendix, you do have an important function in the body of Christ. Be sure you are fulfilling your duty.