The Ballestero Blog

Twenty Feet From Stardom

http://twentyfeetfromstardom.com/

The news on the web reported this year about a documentary showcasing the mostly unknown background vocalists of famous singers which I have never seen, but am very impressed with the title.

1. They all stood there and heard the words, “And the Oscar goes to…”
2. They were the ones who made the lead vocalist more famous.
3. They were the ones who created the harmony the leader basked in.
4. They made the song sound better.
5. Very few even know their name.
6. They never got the limelight.
7. They are not the ones looked at, the lead singer is.

Whether the lead singer was Ray Charles, or Elvis Presley, not many can tell you the names of their background vocalists. They stood just 20 feet from stardom and never got any for themselves.

Many if not most, lived the rest of their natural lives without receiving much recognition for their efforts.

1. Could you live like that?
2. Would you be content to let others always benefit from your efforts?
3. Could you be content to stand 20 feet from stardom and never grasp it?

In The Church

God has blessed His work by giving us pastors according to His heart. He also placed into the church those who would stand just 20 feet away from the pastor and never receive much in the way of recognition.

The Bible called these people: ‘Helps.’

1 Corinthians 12:28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.

1. They were not called to be the first man.
2. Maybe they are a great Assistant Pastor.
3. Maybe they don’t even have a title.
4. Yet they stand twenty feet from ‘stardom’ and their contributions seldom receive honor.
5. God planted them as helps in their church for a purpose.
6. But some were too proud to stay in that position.
7. They wanted recognition too.
8. They got impatient, disruptive and messed up their lives and the church too.

On The Negative Side

Judas Stood Twenty Feet From Stardom

Absalom Stood Twenty Feet From Stardom

Lucifer Stood Twenty Feet From Stardom

Demas Stood Twenty Feet From Stardom

On The Positive Side:

Peter, James And John Stood Twenty Feet From Stardom.

Elisha Stood Twenty Feet From Stardom

Calkers

Ezekiel 27:27 Thy riches, and thy fairs, thy merchandise, thy mariners, and thy pilots, thy calkers, and the occupiers of thy merchandise, and all thy men of war, that are in thee, and in all thy company which is in the midst of thee, shall fall into the midst of the seas in the day of thy ruin.

• Calkers weren’t mariners.
• Calkers couldn’t read a sextant.
• Calkers weren’t allowed to pilot a ship.
• Calkers weren’t men of war.
• Calkers weren’t merchandisers.

All They Did All Day Was Work Below Deck

• They never got to feel the breeze.
• They seldom saw the sunshine.
• They lived in the heat.
• They were used to the foul odors below deck
• They worked below the water line.
• They had sticky hands covered in the pitch and tar they dipped the hemp in to plug leaks.
• They were responsible for keeping the boat afloat.
• The ship wouldn’t make it without them.
• Yet no one praised them nor is there a mention of their name.
• They did their dirty jobs without glory or fame.
• They never got to hobnob with .the big shots

The Caption Got The Glory.

• They plugged the leaks.
• There may not even be a ship afloat if it wasn’t for their efforts.
• The labored their lifetime 20 feet from stardom.

It is dangerous if the Kingdom of God to seek our own glory. God delights in those who choose the role of servant hood. Those who are willing to labor 20 feet from stardom and still smile. Labor and let God  receive the glory. Labor and let another receive the attention.

Remember This:

If God has chosen to place you in any capacity in His Church…

1. Be humble and be grateful.
2. Seek not your own glory.
3. Decrease so that He may increase.
4. Never overstep your authority or boundaries.
5. Be content with your placement in His service.
6. Support your Pastor and those in the limelight, and God will always bless you for your faithfulness.
7. Elisha was first known as the man who poured water on the prophets hands.

It Is The Calkers That Keep The Boat Afloat…

And They Work Just 20 Feet From Stardom!

Your Uncelebrated Service Helps Keep This Old Ship Of Zion Afloat.

Thank You!