“But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased.” 1 Corinthians 12:18

Stringers

Like most of us, my early Christian life was spent trying to figure out just where I fit into the body of Christ. I tried my hand at several things before finally settling down to a place of peace. At first, like the world’s way of looking at things, I thought it was a “journey to the top of the heap”! What a trap to think that having a more “noticeable” role was somehow better, with just a bit more prestige! Being a supporter and encourager somehow didn’t seem all that glamorous.

I guess I was a bit like little Ralphie in the movie “The Christmas Story”, whose sole aspiration was to own the Red Rider BB gun. With daydreams about fighting off dastardly outlaws that were attacking his classmates and teacher, Ralphie always won the day, blasting away at the bad guys, to the cheers and acclaim of all. Yes, I too started out with a bit of the “hero syndrome”!

It was interesting to watch the refurbishing of our dilapidated deck awhile back. In definite need of a facelift, the supports underneath were also starting to sag. As construction commenced, heavy beams, called stringers, were put in place to attach the top decking to. I couldn’t help thinking about the spiritual connotation. Like the top decking boards, not all are called to hold the more noticeable jobs. The supports, or stringers, are necessary also, or the whole thing would come crashing to the ground. Certainly no job is more important than another, but I realized then that being an encourager is perfectly acceptable, and if God enables us to be supportive “stringers”, we have a much-needed place too.

Interceding for and encouraging our brothers and sisters is so necessary; I’m not sure where I’d be without the prayers that have been offered for me, but it wouldn’t be pretty. As we learn to listen to the Holy Spirit, as He directs us where the prayers or encouragement is needed, we become Jesus’ healing balm to the wounded front liners, who may grow weary from the fight.

Once I settled down and quit comparing myself to others, I realized the place of peace in being directed by the Holy Spirit. If you’re having trouble finding your spot in the body of Christ, may I encourage you to lean into God and seek His face. If God directs, begin looking for the lost and lonely, the broken, and begin to pray. He will definitely show you where the needs are.

“Dear Lord, help us to recognize our own most effective roles in the body of Christ for any given time. Show us if we are taking on a role that isn’t meant for us or if a season of service has changed. If You call us to be a “stringer” to support and encourage others, let us do it with all our might, all for your glory! Amen!”