Play Your Part

Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. (1 Corinthians 12.12 NIV)

 

One orchestra. Different instruments. One body. Different parts. If I am a flute player, how strange it would be for me to try and play the tuba part. If I were an eye, how strange it would be for me to try to hear what you are saying. And if I am gifted at creative expression in worship arts, how strange it would be for me to take care of the church's financial statements.

 

Here are a couple thoughts to ponder this week:

 

Since we are all different, are you trying to treat everyone the same? Think chess, not checkers.

 

If you were gifted with certain skills and abilities, should you stick to tasks that honor those skills and abilities? When would it be appropriate to step outside your gift mix (your comfort zone)?

 

If there is one body with many parts, why are you trying to take on too many roles?

 

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Comments

[bill (cycleguy)]

Hey Scott: you raise some really good questions. Last night after our Wild at Heart session I had one man stay and ask how I dealt with a mother who was charismatic (I am not). He has a daughter who has gone that direction and has taken a sometimes adversarial position with her parents i.e. " you aren't real Christians because you haven't spoken in tongues." First, I talked about how God has gifted each of us differently and (if there is tongues) not all are given that gift. I felt I gave him some good advice to stave off the conflict and harsh words that follow her belligerence. You also raise a good question that I want to ask: if you step outside your realm (gift mix) what does that do with using your strengths and allowing others to use theirs? Know what I mean? This comment is already getting too long so if I am not clear or you need more thought from me say so. If we step out of our mix and do something we are not gifted to do, are we not robbing someone else of using theirs to the fullest?

[Scott Couchenour]

The tongues gift I know has been used by the enemy to divide the body of Christ. I've seen the greatest success come as fellow Christians agree to disagree and both point their noses in the same direction: being tools in God's hands to reconnect the relationship between a loving Creator and His fallen creation.

To your question, here's my opinion: I believe God wired us a certain way. Therefore, we need to strive to spend 80% of our waking hours engaged in what honors our passions, personality, and proficiency (skills). 80% instead of 100% because there will always be parts of our day that we must engage in activities that we were not idealy suited for.

That being said, God always trumps everything, anytime. The key is not so much to honor who we are, but to honor who He is. That means cultivating a deep dynamic walk with Christ enough to hear if/when He asks us to do something that doesn't make sense to us (outside our comfort zone). If God calls us to do something we are not gifted to do, you can be sure He has a reason.

does that help?

[Kevin Martineau]

If there is one body with many parts, why are you trying to take on too many roles?

Ouch! That one hits too close to home ...

[Scott Couchenour]

I'm actually glad it hurts. Misery loves company :)

[bill (cycleguy)]

it helps Scott. In trying to be an effective leader I have to agree with Kevin (below me): it is too easy to take on too many roles. Finding the niche is tough but important. I like your advice to stay open to the Spirit's leading.

Your words about tongues is exactly what i told him to do. He loves their discussions but then she takes off on that topic and they go their separate ways (not peacefully as you can imagine). i told him the next time to tell her, "Honey, I/we have enjoyed talking with you but at this point we will have to agree to disagree and close this discussion. If you want to pursue other topics I/we can talk." Will he? I don't know but it is worth the shot. :) Thanks for your advice.

[Scott Couchenour]

...and as they say, working with people is messy...

I continue praying for you