A nihilarian (nick-el-arian) is a person who deals with things lacking importance.  I thank God for the people who are willing to do the tasks that may seem to be insignificant.

Unless you are an avid golfer, you might place caddies in the nihilarian category.  You could have the mistaken notion that all a caddy does is carry a bag full of clubs.  A good caddy is beneficial to the golfer because he knows the course; he can give advice; and, he can help with the mental aspect of the game.

I think most people fail to see the importance of nihilarians.  Because they are willing to attend to the small details of life they keep them from mushrooming into big problems.

This is the case with Robert.  He is willing to stay behind, so others can go ahead.  Each Sunday, he checks to make sure the lights are out, the doors are locked, and only then does he leave the building.

Then, there is the significant role of the ladies who come early to prepare communion and the ladies who work in the nursery–far too often people like these go unnoticed.  I say three cheers for the nihilarians.  Without you, my job would be much more difficult.

Romans 16 contains a list that names people who played this type of a role in the life of the Apostle Paul.  If not for the fact that Paul wanted to express his gratitude for these people, they would be anonymous to  history.

The profound importance of nihilarian-like gifts was emphasized in the teaching of Paul.  He wrote in I Corinthians 12 that  those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable.  These gifts and these people are indispensable, necessary and an essential to the health of any church or organization.

Here’s a thought to keep you thinking:  Who is it that makes your life a little easier, and when was the last time you expressed your appreciation to him or to her?  Let the nihilarians in your life know that they’ve been noticed.