The prophet Elijah was at a low point in his life. He had abandoned his post and run away from Israel. When asked by God why he was away from Israel, the prophet said that the children of Israel had forsaken God's covenant, torn down His altars, and killed His prophets. "I alone am left; and they seek to take my life" (1 Kings 19:10).

The Lord corrected Elijah's assessment of the circumstances. He was not alone. "Yet I have reserved seven thousand in Israel, all whose knees have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him" (v. 18). There were people standing for the Lord and doing His work.

Sometimes individual Christians become disappointed in what they perceive to be a lack of interest and involvement in the work of the Lord. They are tempted to see themselves as Elijah did - "I am the only one who is trying to do anything. I must be the only one who cares."

While there may be situations in which there is only one lone Christian trying to do what is right, for the most part this assessment simply is not true.

Paul told the Corinthians that the local church is like a human body (1 Cor. 12:12-27). Some parts are seen, while some are "hidden" or "unpresentable" (v. 23). However, all the parts of the body are equally important.

Some things done in service to the Lord are done in the open. We clearly see the efforts of those who preach, lead singing, teach a Bible Class, prepare communion, and welcome visitors to our assemblies. However, we rarely see those who are inviting their friends and neighbors to the assemblies, visiting the sick, cooking meals for those who are recovering, sending cards to the bereaved, and setting good examples before unbelievers and praying for the church.

Don't dishonor the members of the church by assuming they are doing nothing.