"For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another." - Romans 12:4-5 KJV
When I stumbled across this verse of the day on a well-known Bible reference site, I was reminded of one of my favorite portions of scripture when it comes to our individual roles as the Body of Christ. While I have preached many sermons on the subject of each person's need to identify and embrace their God-given purpose, I never really thought of the hardships a believer encounters when trying to be something they are not.
It is easy, especially early in ministry or when feeling discouraged in one's own service to the Lord, to become fixated with someone else's ministry and to desire what it appears that individual has. "It's got to be so much better than what I am doing," we may be tempted to think to ourselves. However, just as we will stumble and fall if we try to pursue or, even worse, emulate someone else's ministry while in search of some sinfully-perceived fulfillment that should supposedly accompany it, we fall flat on our faces and realize that we have wandered far from where God wants us to be.
Using the verses of scripture above, our flesh-driven adventure is no different than our elbow wishing it was an index finger - and then trying to be one. Only with failure after failure (imagine trying to dial a phone call, enter a PIN at the ATM, trying to scratch an itchy ear, etc.) does the elbow realize it's just not supposed to function as an index finger, feeling discouraged. However, the elbow does not realize that the index finger has long-wished it could be an ear, longing for a break from itching noses, poorly-shut doors, and being jammed by improperly-thrown basketballs. You see, while each member has it's function, each member also has a price it pays while fulfilling that function. With this in mind, remember that any time you see someone with a ministry - and possibly recognition - that you long for, just remember that there is an unseen price they had to pay to get there. Also, don't forget that there are others serving God in their own designated capacities who would give anything to be in your position.
In Christ,
Steve Briley