From sixth grade through my junior year of college, I played in the band. I’ve played in ensembles of all sizes, talent-level, and musical ability, but one thing has been consistent – the band was composed of many different instruments. Certainly, some instruments are better suited for some aspects of music than others. Listening to a trumpet player perform a 16 measure solo would be a very different experience than a percussionist playing a triangle solo. And yet, when the moment in the music is just right, a single strike of the triangle can resonate in an impactful way. All the instruments are different, yet all are important.
How often do we see ourselves or our role as “less important?” We look at the abilities other people have and somehow decide they are “more important” than we are. That our role isn’t as meaningful. Sometimes, we can even let ourselves make excuses for why we shouldn’t do something.
”Well, he can do that better than I can…”
“She can do this thing that I can’t so I don’t have a place…”
However, God uses all kinds of people for His purpose. 2 Timothy 2:20-21 reads:
Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver bowls, but also those of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. So if anyone purifies himself from anything dishonorable, he will be a special instrument, set apart, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.
When I read this passage, I see that God’s people have different talents and abilities and we are all useful in His kingdom. In fact, we cannot function as God’s people without relying on one another (see Paul’s metaphor comparing individuals to parts of the body in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27). We may not be as “shiny” or as “prominent” as someone else. Our role may not be as visible. Yet, we are still important. The main thing to remember is to purify ourselves from anything dishonorable. In doing so, God will set us apart for service in His kingdom.
I hope you will take a moment this week to reflect on what talents you possess and how God can use them to reach others and make an impact in His kingdom. And, pray for God to help you to grow both established abilities and budding capabilities so you can expand the ways you can serve Him, your brothers and sisters in Christ, and the world around you.
Leave a Reply