One of my daughter’s high school teachers appeared in the 1986 movie Hoosiers. The film is based on the true story of a small-town high school basketball team in the US and their improbable run to the Indiana state championship. He didn’t have a big role. He had no lines. His name doesn’t even appear in the credits. He was simply one of hundreds of cheering “extras” in the stands. Today he jokingly says that his moment on the big screen is so brief that hitting the pause button is the only way to spot him.
I’ve run across a lot of Christians who tend to hold a similar view about their own role in God’s story. They may believe God has a plan for their life (Jeremiah 29:11) and that they have some kind of a role. But, at best, they see themselves as just “extras.”
Sadly, the experiences of life have led too many people to think that they have a marginal and trivial role to play. But that’s not how God sees it! While talking about the different spiritual gifts and services the body of Christ offers, the apostle Paul said, “Some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary” (1 Corinthians 12:22).
Regardless of our nationality or social standing, every single follower of Jesus plays a necessary role in advancing God’s kingdom. Whether the effect is far-reaching or only touches a few, there are no inconsequential or “bit” parts in God’s service. Every part is essential.
At this time of the year, when we celebrate Jesus becoming human and living among us (John 1:14), don’t forget your role in His ongoing story. Renew your commitment to discover and play your part today.
What you have to offer is unique and is much needed!
More:
He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love (Ephesians 4:16).
Next:
What spiritual gifts and talents has God given you to use for His glory? How can you encourage others to play their
myron on December 17, 2009 at 6:54 am
I have a hard time tyring to fit in a
church some ware to call home
when i was a child i enjoy going
and had a lot of friends
i am look for a church with people my
age 40-50 with a lot of praising
Astrid67 on December 17, 2009 at 8:46 am
I enjoyed the daily reading very much as it speaks straight into my life. Yes, all of us are an important part of the body of Christ. But we should not reduce our service for God to the Church. It is more serving God in our daily life…..going to places where Jesus would go….spending time with people Jesus would spend…..helping people Jesus would help. It doesn’t have to be a big thing….small things in daily life like a kind word, a smile or just a hug can be more effective than handing out thousands of leaflets or trakts.
Gary4orphans on December 17, 2009 at 9:23 am
Well said. One aspect often overlooked is the concept of “goers” and “senders.” Oftentimes a person, for whatever reason, is not the person to “go” but that person can be a “sender”; the person who helps the goer go. Maybe you don’t preach in a church but you can support the work of the preacher. You may not be called to personally go into the mission field, but you can support those who get on the plane and go. Be a goer if that is what God calls you to be, but be a sender if you can’t personally go. Goers can’t go with being sent (provided for). Don’t think only the wealthy can be senders. Even a little, faithfully given, helps the goer go. $1.00 times a hundred senders still equals $100.00. If you are not called to be on the front lines of ministry, support those who are. In that way you ARE on the team and not a spiritual bench warmer. Invest in God’s work as a goer or a sender (or both) but get on the team.
dianalovesjesus2 on December 17, 2009 at 12:53 pm
…may every person I meet today move a little closer to God because of the time we spent together….
learning2serv on December 18, 2009 at 12:52 pm
<> Thank you dianalovesjesus2!