How hard do we work for the body of Christ?

Romans 16:6 Greet Mary, who has worked hard for you. I’m envisioning something like this in the Roman congregation being said. “Mary! Paul says, ‘Hi. He knows how hard you have worked for us, and wants to honor you in our midst. We agree with him. You are an incredible servant to us, Mary. Thank you so much for loving us and serving us as you do.’” The only think that might be added are the details of which we know nothing. Working hard for the body of Christ was worthy of Paul’s notice and greeting. It not only is worthy of our notice as well, but is also worthy of imitation by us. I doubt if Mary’s work was compensated with wages. She obviously was a hard worker and the congregation benefited from her labor. Maybe today, Mary would be a nursery worker, a bathroom cleaner, a children’s coordinator, or a meal organizer for the sick, troubled, and bereaved. Who is “Mary” in your church? Have you taken the time or trouble to get to know the Marys in your church? How might the Holy Spirit guide you to express gratitude and honor to “Mary” in your church? Surely, we can also draw encouragement to love with Jesus by Mary’s example. I can’t help but think that it was the love of Jesus that moved Mary’s commitment and hard work. What do you think? She loved Jesus, and because she loved Jesus, she worked hard to serve His body. I’m reminded of Martha who was busy preparing food for Jesus and the disciples. Or Dorcas comes to mind, whom Peter raised from the dead in Joppa, and honored her for kindness and charity. May God fill us today with the energy and love He gave to Mary to work hard for the body of Christ in Rome.