1 Corinthians 12:20-31 – “But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. 21 And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” 22 No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. 23 And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty, 24 but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, 25 that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. 26 And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. 

27 Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. 28 And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.”  NKJV

Before I accepted Jesus as my Savior the girl I was dating and I were in riding with my parents and I told her, “I don’t know why but I have a feeling I’m supposed to be a preacher.”  She said, “Well do it.”  My response was simple, “You have to be kidding who would listen?”  I and she knew how I was living and the last thought on anyone’s mind would have ever thought of Roy the Preacher.  They might have thought Roy needs a preacher but never is a preacher.  I grew up in a rural church but did not know the LORD.  After I accepted the Jesus as my Savior and begin to feel the tug to ministry I resisted and gave every argument I could think of as to why that was a bad idea and sought to dismiss it.  I even told my pastor that I was going to pursue teaching and Christian counseling for that was a great need which with the proper training I could see myself addressing.  He just smiled and said nothing.  It was as if he knew inside that I was simply kicking against the pricks and in time would come around to what God truly wanted.

I did not want to be out front for I considered that too weighty a responsibility.  Throughout my short life I found that I was often pressed into a leadership role but I considered the call to preach incredibly frightening.  I resisted speaking publicly and even when my English teacher in high school continually pleaded with me to join in drama and speaking I resisted.  Most don’t believe it but I was shy and standing in front of people was so uncomfortable I wanted no part of it.  In my early Christian experience I sought to be in the shadows doing tasks that no one wanted to do and assuming roles that others considered beneath them.  God would have none of that and through a series of events that were undeniable, He impressed upon me that my call was to preach and when I opened my heart to that He opened the doors of opportunity.

Too many want to be the Body Part in Christ that is visible and praised as important.  Many want to be the apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor or teacher being seen.  We want to be the comely parts but nobody wants to be the little toe.  The human body needs all its members to function in harmony and each part is important to the overall function of that body and the same is true in the Body of Christ.  Every human body has a head and every human body has arm pits and while I am not calling any role in the Body of Christ “Arm Pit Ministry” consider the truth of that image.  I have observed people self-label themselves as apostles, prophets, etc.  If you are something you will function in that gift and calling and you will have to tell no one that you have a particular ministry gift, they will know it for God will make it known through your function.

Therefore, rather than striving to be the part that is recognized and praised desire to be what God wants you to do and you may function in a little known, observed or appreciated role for a time and in your faithfulness God will promote you to a larger role.  Not necessarily more important but more visible and with more responsibility.  If God does not open the door or has not ordained you function in that role you will fail and likely do more harm than good so BE WHO HE HAS CALLED YOU TO BE and REJOICE in that call.  Everybody cannot ride the horse some have to shovel the manure.

            God bless you richly as you go through this day!