To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.
1 Corinthians 12:7
I was rather struck last Sunday hearing Fr. Matthew, in his sermon, talk about Super Bowl rings. He told us that players on the winning team – who didn’t actually play in the game – still get a ring. And so do players who left the team earlier in the season! They didn’t play in the game, but they still played a role on the winning team. So they get a ring.
In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul reminds us that we all have a role to play on Christ’s team. When we are able to honestly proclaim, “Christ is Lord,” we know that we have the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:3). And if we have the Holy Spirit, we can be confident that Jesus has a role for us to play on His team.
I oftentimes hear people say, “God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life.” While I completely agree that this is true, it has come to feel a bit self-centered to me. As if the plan for my life is most important. I’ve come to think of it more like this: “God has a wonderful plan for the entire universe, and He has a place for you within that plan.”
That is an amazing truth. God, the Creator and sustainer of all things; God, who calls light into being with a word, has a special role in His eternal plan reserved for you. No one else gets to play the role you get to play on Christ’s winning team!
Obviously, the specific roles to which we’re called will differ from person to person, but the verse above shows us that the purpose of our roles is providing for others. Just like the purpose of every player on a football team – regardless of position – is to help the team win. Or the purpose of every musician in the orchestra – regardless of instrument – is to make beautiful music. In the same way, the purpose of every person in the church – regardless of spiritual gift – is to serve and love the people around us.
So let us all take a moment to thank God for the gifts He’s given us and for giving us a role to play within His plan. Then, let’s use our God-given gifts, talents, insights, interests, finances, etc. in unique ways to love others, so that we can play our role on Christ’s winning team.
God bless you!
Fr. BJ
