Carter Braxton was born in Virginia on Sept. 10, 1736.

You’re probably not as familiar with his name as you are with the names of John Hancock, Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin.

But Braxton’s signature appears right there alongside theirs on our nation’s Declaration of Independence. Famous people often get most of the credit when they’re involved in a significant cause. But who could be a star without a cast of supporting actors? Neil Armstrong could hardly have walked on the moon without NASA. How famous would Leonard Bernstein have been if it wasn’t for the New York Philharmonic?

It’s true that Charles Braxton enjoyed some significant advantages in life, e.g. affluence, a good education, the ability to travel. But he also overcame adversity. His wife died within a few years of their marriage. He lost so much of his wealth in the cause of the American Revolution that he eventually had to give up his inherited estate. He died when he was only 61.

The real point is this – Braxton dedicated himself to a noble cause. He got involved. He made himself available. He served with honor in the Virginia House of Burgesses. He was willing to be useful in a lesser role until the day that he was needed in a more important role.

One day in 1775 the distinguished Peyton Randolph died without warning while presiding over the Continental Congress. Carter Braxton was selected to assume his place. One year later the members of the Continental Congress co-signed the young nation’s great Declaration. Braxton’s signature went onto that document along with the signatures of 54 other men. Most of them are not particularly well known. But all of them were critical to the story of America’s birth.

The principle illustrated here in the cause of our national liberty also finds application in the spiritual realm. In order to advance his cause in this world, God is often pleased to use people who are willing to maintain a place of low visibility.

Timothy was never the powerhouse that the Apostle Paul was. But his faithful behind-the-scenes assistance proved highly valuable to Paul in his more visible ministry.

Joshua obediently followed Moses until the day that his mentor died. Dr. Woodrow Kroll observes, “God’s work never lacks God’s workers if, like Joshua, God’s workers are willing to learn quietly until God calls them to step from the shadows and take their places in leadership.”

You’ve probably heard of the great 19th century evangelist D.L. Moody. But you may not know about Edward Kimball. Kimball was the Sunday school teacher who led Moody to Christ in 1855. You’re probably not familiar with the name of Mordecai Hamm. But Hamm was the preacher who extended an altar call on the night that a tall gangly teen named Billy Graham walked the aisle and said “yes” to Christ.

Do you sometimes feel small and insignificant in the overall scheme of things? Do you ever wonder whether your personal walk as a Christian is making any difference? Read Romans 16. Note the men and women mentioned there. They are not well-known people. Yet they are credited with making a huge difference in the life of the early church.

You may say, “Well, I’m not even a Christian. This doesn’t apply to me.” Well it can. If you’re looking for meaning in life, you should come to Christ today. God will give you purpose. Dr. Francis Schaeffer wrote that with God there are “no little people.”

“Yes, but you don’t know me. I’m just a nobody. I’m uneducated. I’m poor. I’m shy. And I’m short.” Hey, as Betty Reese once observed, “If you think you’re too small to be effective, you must never have been in bed with a mosquito.” Give God what you have. He is able to multiply what you offer him.

On this Independence Day weekend, remember Carter Braxton. Be willing to be a small part of a big cause. Shine where you are. Be the best that you can be. God will take it from there.

“But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, and the base things of the world and the despised, God has chosen, the things that are not, that He might nullify the things that are, that no man should boast before God. (1 Corinthians 1:27-29)

The Rev. Daryl E. Witmer is founder and director of the AIIA Institute, a national apologetics ministry, and associate pastor of the Monson Community Church. He may be reached via AIIAInstitute@aol.com or through ChristianAnswers.Net/AIIA. Voices is a weekly commentary by Maine people who explore issues affecting spirituality and religious life.