Many people fall into the temptation of wanting to be like somebody else. When I was a teen, there were a couple of pro athletes I said I wanted to be just like. I was not fascinated with looking like them, but I wanted to play the sport as well as they did, and to experience the success and the notoriety they did. During the past year, I came across several episodes on TV in which an everyday person got a complete makeover in an effort to look like his or her favorite star, if only for a day.
That same spirit oftentimes gets a hold of us in the ministry. For instance, I know of pastors who changed their style of worship because they believed that this particular form of worship was a key element in the success of a well-known mega church that is watched by millions across the country. The thinking is that if they model their ministry after this growing church, they will realize similar growth. Then there is the everyday church member who feels inadequate when he compares himself with fellow members who seem to be the total package.
But there is no one like you. No person on the face of this entire earth who can come close to being the person God made you to be. Why should you try to be someone whom God did not make you to be? He did not create you an original only to live your life trying to become a copy.
In several places, the Scriptures speak about the body of Christ in terms of the human body. In one place, the Bible says, “We, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another” (Romans 12:5). Though there are millions of Christians throughout the earth, and though we have more denominations within Christendom than we can count, collectively, we are one body in Christ. Every Christian plays an important role in that one body. There are no excess parts in the body. What each of us has to contribute makes a difference.
In 1979, while playing ball in the gym of my alma mater, I tore a cartilage in my right knee. I didn’t know that was the problem until several months later. Before the doctor made that determination, all I knew was that I found myself walking bent legged as much as a week at a time. Once the leg straightened out again, I thought all was well. But when I played on it, I repeated the bent-leg experience all over again. It amazed me that one torn cartilage could affect the performance of my entire body.
You see, that cartilage plays a specific role in my body, and nothing else inside of me can compensate for its failure to function. Nobody pays it any attention until it fails to perform its God-given duty. The same goes for many of God’s people. They may not play the visible role. Perhaps they get little or no thanks. But from the foundation of the world, God ordained that they would be an important member of the body of Christ.
Perhaps the person I’m talking about is you. Know that you are unique. Accept, and cooperate with your uniqueness. You bring an edifying effect to the body like no one else on God’s earth can bring. Others may not appreciate you for who you are, but God does. In the end, that’s what really counts.
Copyright ©2010 by Frank King. All rights reserved.
That same spirit oftentimes gets a hold of us in the ministry. For instance, I know of pastors who changed their style of worship because they believed that this particular form of worship was a key element in the success of a well-known mega church that is watched by millions across the country. The thinking is that if they model their ministry after this growing church, they will realize similar growth. Then there is the everyday church member who feels inadequate when he compares himself with fellow members who seem to be the total package.
But there is no one like you. No person on the face of this entire earth who can come close to being the person God made you to be. Why should you try to be someone whom God did not make you to be? He did not create you an original only to live your life trying to become a copy.
In several places, the Scriptures speak about the body of Christ in terms of the human body. In one place, the Bible says, “We, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another” (Romans 12:5). Though there are millions of Christians throughout the earth, and though we have more denominations within Christendom than we can count, collectively, we are one body in Christ. Every Christian plays an important role in that one body. There are no excess parts in the body. What each of us has to contribute makes a difference.
In 1979, while playing ball in the gym of my alma mater, I tore a cartilage in my right knee. I didn’t know that was the problem until several months later. Before the doctor made that determination, all I knew was that I found myself walking bent legged as much as a week at a time. Once the leg straightened out again, I thought all was well. But when I played on it, I repeated the bent-leg experience all over again. It amazed me that one torn cartilage could affect the performance of my entire body.
You see, that cartilage plays a specific role in my body, and nothing else inside of me can compensate for its failure to function. Nobody pays it any attention until it fails to perform its God-given duty. The same goes for many of God’s people. They may not play the visible role. Perhaps they get little or no thanks. But from the foundation of the world, God ordained that they would be an important member of the body of Christ.
Perhaps the person I’m talking about is you. Know that you are unique. Accept, and cooperate with your uniqueness. You bring an edifying effect to the body like no one else on God’s earth can bring. Others may not appreciate you for who you are, but God does. In the end, that’s what really counts.
Copyright ©2010 by Frank King. All rights reserved.
2 comments:
I think that's a very good point. When my father was dying, I was unable to help him sit up in bed, or to do other things to contribute to his physical comfort. (I have a mild physical disability that has weakened my arms and hands.) But God gave me the privilege of leading my dad in the sinner's prayer his last night on earth. We each have our part to play!
Thanks Elizabeth for sharing that testimony. Out of all the things you did for your father throughout his lifetime, your leading him to the Lord was the greatest. All of heaven rejoices with you.
Blessings,
Frank King
Post a Comment