Let’s talk football. The season has begun. Arm-chair quarterbacks are in position. Tailgate food has been prepared and ready for the taking. Fans are sporting their team’s colors and psyched about cheering on their team. Someone has prepared the field for battle. Tickets were printed by one company and sold from another. Food and paraphernalia vendors are ready to sell their goods. The stadium, restrooms, and parking areas have been cleaned and organized. The players have been practicing strategically, and the coaches are armed with plays for all types of scenarios. You may get the picture by now of where I’m going with this. I could go on and on with the numerous tasks that must be or are performed for football season. It is NOT about just the quarterback, it is a collective group that makes this football season enjoyable (for some of us).
When I read 1 Corinthians 12:1-20, many illustrations came to mind. But in keeping with the infamous fall sport, let’s run with it.
Verse 12 says, “The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ.” Each of us is here to serve with a specific function. That function is lived out through a special talent that God has equipped us with. That talent is called a spiritual gift. No matter how great or small the gift may be God gave it to us for a reason.
1 Corinthians 12:5 tells us, “There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord.” Just like the various trades people have to perform in order for football, or whatever occasion, to happen, we all have different kinds of service that we can add to the mix. All the tasks I mentioned in the first paragraph may have different kinds of service, but they all have a common goal of having a successful football season.
1 Corinthians 12:7, reminds us that, “A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.” We are just a part of a whole. We need to help and encourage one another into making the common goal victorious. Our contribution makes a difference, but we are all on the same team.
When I look at the picture of the football game above, I can see players, cheerleaders, fans, coaches, equipment managers, referees, and more. Each person in this picture has a purpose and collectively is working together, whether they realize it or not. And God has each person in a specific position for a reason. Verse 18 says, “But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where He wants it.” I’m sure the cheerleader on the top of the pyramid is appreciative of the base girls and spotter holding her up strong. Those girls are right where they need to be.
“Yes, there are many parts, but only one body.” (verse 20). God has you where you are for a purpose. Your reason may be as visible as the quarterback, or it may be as unrecognizable as the person who keeps the grass on the field cut and the paint aligned properly on the field. But relish in the fact that you were chosen by Him.
He gave you a special gift. Ask God to make your spiritual gift known to you. Encourage other believers to stay focused on the common goal of sharing God’s love. Know that no matter how minimal you may think your contribution may be, you are part of the body of Christ, and you are making a difference.
So we aren’t all pastors or teachers who are visible to others. We may be the one who sharpeners the pencils that rest in the pews each Sunday for the congregation to use in taking sermon notes, or the quiet prayer warrior who so diligently prays each day for the needs of others. We are all part of one body.
What part are you?
Blessings and God’s abundant love to all!
