If you know me at all, then you know that I love team sports. It is obviously not because I am good at any of them, even though at 44 I am still trying to cut into the “Bigs” – LOL!!!!!
One of the things that I love about team sports is the concept of the team! A group of people going out to accomplish a goal – WIN! Everybody functioning in the same direction and doing their part to win the game.
Within team sports is a philosophy called “play your roll.” The main idea here is that each person on the team has a primary job––a responsibility––a function. Everyone is a spoke in the wheel that helps keep the wheel moving. I think you get the idea.
You know, within relationships (whether family, church, business, etc.) the idea of “play your roll” is super important. No matter the goal, the pairing, or the objective, we all have to do our part. However, as a Christ follower, there is something a little more focused than just doing a “job” or achieving a common goal.
1 Peter 4:10 says, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received (from God) to serve others (not yourself) as faithful stewards of God’s grace (Jesus, forgiveness, and life) in its various forms!”
Did you catch that?
Playing your roll is not for you, it’s for others! We are to use whatever we have been given from God to point others to Jesus and what He did on the cross! No matter who you are, no matter what your gift is––as a Christ follower, your role is to point people to Jesus!
What a job! What an opportunity! What a calling!
How about it? Will you play your roll…for Him?
“Playing your roll is not for you, it’s for others! ” That’s HUGE! Honestly, having grown up in the church, I definitely see a struggle sometimes. There are people who want the lime-light roles. To be up front and to do the ‘important’ jobs. And then there are also a lot of people who want to stay hidden, when God wants them to shine. I definitely have Pastor Jay, Jody, and even Nate to thank for encouraging me to ‘be brave’ and follow my passion for music… even if it took me out of the safety of my church seat. *shudder* 🙂 (It was a scary step for me back in the day, being as shy and quiet as I was). It really is about focusing on what God has called you to do, because every single role is needed (right down to the person who greets everyone cheerfully every Sunday. Might seem simple, but that smile might be what causes someone to come back the following week). 🙂 I know that once you focus on your role and what God has called – and equipped – you to do, He can do amazing things. And as you’re helping point others to Christ through it, you’re often changed and molded too!!