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In the world today there is an all out war being waged - an assault on the Truth. One of the things that frustrates me sometimes is that I feel my part in this war is so small. This may not be true of all of us, but I think that many of us from time to time just want our voices to be heard. The Truth can seem so clear to us that we just want to shout it from the housetops so the whole world can hear it - but I don't have that ability. We look at others and see what they are doing in their lives and in their ministries and in comparison our contributions can seem so small. That's why the following scripture is so encouraging to me. Paul says that we have all been given a 'sphere' of influence - in other words, a lane to run in.2 Corinthians 10:12-18
12 For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.
13 We, however, will not boast beyond measure, but within the limits of the sphere which God appointed us—a sphere which especially includes you.14 For we are not overextending ourselves (as though our authority did not extend to you), for it was to you that we came with the gospel of Christ; 15 not boasting of things beyond measure, that is, in other men’s labors, but having hope, that as your faith is increased, we shall be greatly enlarged by you in our sphere, 16 to preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man’s sphere of accomplishment.
17 But “he who glories, let him glory in the LORD.”
18 For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends.
- Recognize your lane
Look around you and make sure that you are aware of your lane. Many a person has run off chasing spheres of influence and forgotten their most immediate area of importance - their family. Fathers, mothers, sons, daughters; be the person God has called you to be within your family and make sure to encourage, exhort and be a help to those around you.
If you are called to a ministry within your local body of believers - secretary, usher, mentor, teacher, etc. - then that is the lane you are called to run in. At some point in the future God may choose to expand your lane or even give you another one - but while you are where you are fight the battle there. You are called to hold that one place in the line - don't let the enemy through!
- Be content in your lane
Your lane may not be as big as someone else's, but it's yours and it's been given to you by God. Don't get caught up in comparing yourselves to others and what they may or may not be doing(in fact, Paul says he "wouldn't dare" compare himself to others). That is not your business. Do what God has called you to do and be content with it. If you are doing good and great things are happening for you - give the glory to God and don't take it for yourself. Even if it seems that 'little' is getting done - give the glory to God and thank him for the opportunity that you've been given. If you are giving everything you have in your lane then God will do the commending at the proper time.
- Give your all in your lane
Most importantly - give it your all. Don't look back at the end of the race and say to yourself 'I could have given more'. Life is so short - run the race with everything you have.
Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. - 1 Corinthians 10:31
I can honestly say that I know my "lane", that I'm doing my very best in it, but I am not content in it or find any real pleasure other than knowing I'm being obedient.
ReplyDeleteI'm not interested in doing 'great things for God'. I've realized that He doesn't really need me. I am interested in doing what he has called me to do.
Recently Middle Son & I had a short conversation about Paul's use of the word "compelled"...that Paul was compelled to preach the Gospel. I now have a better understanding of what he meant because regardless of my thoughts, attitude, consequences, loss (of personal time & freedom)I can not NOT stay in my "lane". I'm "conpelled" to do this work/ministry.
Derricke, does this go along with "whatever He says to you, do it?" Obedience as to whatever it may be. Would not staying my lane simply be doing what He asks me to do? He isn't going to have me acting in an yo-yo fashion, but a particular lane may be only for a season.
ReplyDeleteDoes this go along with "what part am I in the body" for this season?
Obedience to what He has called me to do.
Thanks for reminding us of "staying in our lane" and not try to be in another's lane.
I may not have tried to get in another's lane, but I sure have been guilty of judging another's lane. When it comes right now to it, it would be called getting into another's lane. Call it what it is. I should have been judging my own lane and measuring it against what God had called me to do. Thank God for His forgiveness.
ReplyDeleteGood reminder...what has He called me to do? Do it all as unto the Lord.
I remember talking to a friend a few months ago. He recounted to me how that after he was saved, he was prophesied over about how we going to be a great pastor, a great evangelist, a great teacher. And he spent the next several years trying to chase those things, wondering why it wasn't happening and then feeling guilty because those things didn't occur. How many of us waste so much time on junk like that - letting others set aspirations for us that God Himself never requires of us.
ReplyDeleteThe point is - be happy and content in whatever state you are. If He wants you to do more he'll make it happen.
Derricke, you are right. He will make it happen if we but make ourselves available. Focus on God not ourselves.
ReplyDeleteIs there anyone that sometimes wonders if you even know what lane you are supposed to be in? I sure do.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely! I'm pretty sure that we all struggle with this at one time or another. Here's what I've found to be helpful - wherever you are now, whatever you are doing now - do it all for his glory and give it 100%. If it's just being a mom or dad, or an usher at church, or mentoring a friend - do it for His glory. In other words, do it like you are doing it for an audience of One. If He wants to move you to another lane, another sphere of influence, then He'll take care of that.
ReplyDeleteI find great comfort in knowing that God Himself is the one who will move me to other lanes as HE sees fit, and that my main responsibility is to be faithful.
ReplyDeleteI think that is really the point. One of my favorite scriptures in the entire Bible is John 6:28-29:
ReplyDeleteThen they said to Him, “What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?” Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.”
That is all He asks - He'll take care of the rest.
I have become over sensitive to the word "call". I don't mean to be critical, but I witness Christians in the church waiting to be "called" to a certain ministry. Another words, there are needs, especially in the church, and it seems that we as a body sometimes use that phrase "well until the Lord calls me..." to not do anything. Meanwhile, the church is in need of nursery workers, kid church leaders, greeters, etc. I'm afraid that we as Christians can use that term for an excuse instead of just jumping in to help, then allowing God to either use us or close that "lane".
ReplyDelete