I have enjoyed watching the Olympics. Something is extraordinary and paradoxical regarding the spirit of competition that unites us. It may be because we understand the dedication and determination it takes to compete at that level. We enjoy watching the pinnacle of effort and aptitude, achieving what is the climax of human capabilities.
One aspect I have greatly relished this year was experiencing it through my children’s fresh eyes. There are so many events that they have never heard of… some I have never heard of (canoe slalom anyone?). Even in these sports, you can imagine how it would take years of honing specific skills to rise to that level. I could highlight how each event required different characteristics for my sons. Shot putters do not look like marathon runners and high jumpers do not look like gymnasts. Indeed, everyone has their aptitude, but you must refine what you do well so that you can achieve excellence.
This is on full display in track events. Each event highlights specific characteristics that require different skills. The winners of the 100m, 400m, and 800m events are all fast… in their own rights. You cannot take the winner of the 800m race and expect them to place in the 100m event. It doesn’t diminish their ability but produces the understanding that not all abilities translate to other races. Each participant can say they were made to run, but each one in a different fashion. The same is true with the body of Christ; we are all different but essential.
Romans 12:3-8 “Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us. 4 Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, 5 so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. 6 In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. 7 If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. 8 If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.”
It is crucial to recognize that I am a part of the body and fulfill a specialized purpose in that body. Once you discover what you are meant to be doing, then you hone that skill. You practice it and make sure that if you are a teacher, you become the best teacher you can be. If you are meant to encourage others, you ensure that you find ways to lift them up. This intentionality is not borne out of competition but rather making an effort to achieve greatness for God’s kingdom.
We are not all gymnasts, swimmers, or triple-jumpers, but we have been placed here for a specific purpose. The body of Christ needs you. You must enhance and sharpen how God wants to use you. Not haphazardly, but intentionally striving to offer your best to God because you were BORN TO DO IT.