When we watch a film, it’s usually the actors who get our attention, and possibly the producer and director whose names are known. But if we persevere to the ‘credits’ on a film, we are amazed at the sheer number of people it takes to make a film. The diversity of people and jobs associated with cinematography is astonishing.
The same is true of life. Every person meets many others who are important to them, some more so than others. Part of assessing a person’s life is knowing these influences and people, who may range from family, friends, neighbours and work colleagues to those in positions of power and authority to those who have already died but whose influence remains (often through works of art, literature or music.)
In 1 Chronicles 11 and 1 Chronicles 25-27, we see lists of names of people who helped David. These had different roles (some were his ‘mighty men’, his warriors; some were administrative helpers; others were singers and musicians; others were priests. Some looked after his property; others were appointed leaders of the tribes of Israel.) Many are often not mentioned elsewhere in the Bible; these are apparently the insignificant ones. Yet there are no insignificant people, for God records their names in these lists and we begin to grasp the enormity of the truth that no man is an island. All of us need other people in our lives. All of us are helped and blessed by others.
Perhaps it’s time we made our own list of people whose views and help have shaped and moulded our lives. Perhaps it’s time to pause and thank them (they may not even realise they have made such an impact on us!) It’s certainly time to thank God for all who are there, helping us along life’s way. Without such people, we simply could not do the things we do. We salute these unsung heroes as David did and are grateful that we do not stand alone.
