I’ve updated this post. It was first was published on November 18th, 2018.
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.
Hebrews 12:1-3
Stay in your lane
We that have Jesus in us are all running in the same race. And, just like every athletic racetrack, the track has lanes, one lane for each runner. Each runner is to stay in their lane throughout the race.
You have a gift or perhaps many gifts from God. Do you know which lane is yours? 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 runner is “standing in the gap. (Ezekiel 22:30)” That person may be stuck at the starting gate!
Sober Judgment
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 moment’s 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 said:
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.
Romans 12:3-8
Good News
Trust God. Be obedient to Jesus, your Lord. Seek to be full of the Holy Spirit. Love everyone. Receive what our Savior places in your hand and do the work as unto the Lord (Colossians 3:23). All else will take care of itself.
Photo by Amine Rock Hoovr on Unsplash
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