X’s and O’s

Normally, a QB doesn’t block, a running back doesn’t pass, and a kicker doesn’t run. There might be times when a play falls apart and the players have to do what they have to do, but that isn’t the ideal situation. And, the QB shouldn’t feel guilty because he isn’t 300 lbs, the running back feel bad that he isn’t 6’6”, nor the kicker get down because he isn’t the fastest guy in the 40-yard dash. That’s why there are positions; that’s why one player isn’t expected to be every X on the play…

Christian, there are many things in the ministry you can do. There are those who focus on prayer, on preaching, on giving, on serving, or on singing. There are those who love learning, some love evangelizing, and some love serving. There are those who would talk to a dozen strangers cold-turkey before they would open a book. And, there are those who fall asleep reading more often than they fall asleep praying.

An encouraging coach will pat his lineman on the back when he picks up a fumble and runs as hard as he can. But, the coach doesn’t expect him to outrun the linebackers all the way into the end zone. An encouraging Christian will help their brothers and sisters in Christ to find out where they “fit” in the body of Christ; they won’t think less of those whose gifts are different from theirs. They may push others to serve in ways that they have never done before, but they aren’t going to force them into an area of service that kills their joy instead of increases it.

Christian, as you wonder where you fit, don’t envy others’ gifts any more than a QB would envy a lineman’s mass or a kicker’s leg. Like a fan who has watched players come and go but still marvels that someone can get dozens of different players to work together, marvel that Jesus has created you exactly like you are so that you can do what someone else can’t.