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Hebrews 12:1-3:Â Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
We that have Jesus in us are all running in the same race. And, just as every athletic race track, the track has lanes, one lane for each running. Each runner is to stay in their lane throughout the race.
You have a gift or maybe gifts, that is your lane in the race. God may use someone whose gift is prophecy to teach. But, if you watch their life you will see that prophecy will consistently be the primary action of that person. A prophet that teaches, if God so directs, is not cutting in on a different lane but, rather, is filling in where someone else should be running. That person may be stuck at the starting gate!
We see this “filling in” all the time in local churches. However, we must be ready to give opportunities to younger people in Christ. We must not take what God has not given. It’s been said of missionaries that they need to be prepared to teach, preach, pray, sing, or die, at a moments notice. That’s their lane. If you don’t know where your lane is, ask Jesus, then look for entry-level opportunities to use your gifting. Let Christ promote you as He sees fit. This is what Paul is talking about in Romans 12:3-8.
Romans 12:3-8: (ESV)Â For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.
Trust God. Be obedient to Jesus your Lord. Seek to be full of the Holy Spirit. Love everyone. All else will take care of itself.