Weak but Indispensable

Do you sometimes wish you could be like someone else? Are you envious of those around you who seem to be so good at doing what you would like to do? Do you ever wonder why you are so useless while others can apply themselves to almost anything? Do you feel you don't fit in?

We compare ourselves to others at our peril. We can never be the way we see others. This kind of thinking leads to depression, low self-esteem and is potentially dangerous, psychologically.

When we try to measure up against others, we do ourselves a gross disservice; we also discredit our maker. The bible states that God made us in his image. (Genesis 1:27) That does not mean He made us all identical. Paul, the apostle, describes us as separate parts of one body.

(1 Corinthians 12: 12)

Paul goes on to elaborate that each part of the body is essential to every other part:

"If the whole body were all one eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were all one ear, where would be the sense of smell?"

(1 Corinthians 12:17, English Standard Version)

We also need to be careful we don't rate ourselves too highly.

In my previous career in the rail industry, I worked my way up to an influential management role with budgets of up to £1 million pounds in improvement works. I was responsible for maintenance and building work within a geographical area stretching from London to Chichester and Hastings. Later, I started my own marketing business and was a committee member in the Federation of Small Businesses. I also served as a school governor. I considered myself a pillar of society.

Within a few short years I found myself living in a flat above a kebab shop, my second marriage on the rocks. I went from self-employed to unemployed; from highly respected to no self-respect. I suffered from bouts of depression and couldn't keep up a regular job. I allowed myself to slip into the benefits trap. There was no hope for me.

But, just at the right time, when I felt I couldn't sink any lower, God moved into my life. I realised that I needed to move out of my flat; my flatmate was an alcoholic and a negative influence on me. I also needed to get back into a "proper" job. I moved into a house with some other Christian guys and then reported to the Job Centre. I got the first job I applied for: a store assistant and relief driver in a decorators' supplies store. Not exactly what I had previously been accustomed to, but a job, nevertheless.

A truly humbling experience; but both the house and the job were answers to prayer. God hadn't yet finished with the humbling process, though. I volunteered to serve on an Alpha Course, which offers an introduction to the Christian life. Having attended an Alpha Course that led to my becoming a born again Christian, I was eager to serve as a table leader. I was asked to serve on the door. a position that my still proud self thought was below my calling. I soon realised that, far from being the insignificant label that I had given the role, meeting and greeting new guests is one of the most important positions you could wish for. I was possibly the first member of the church that these dear visitors would encounter. How I made them feel welcome would influence their decision whether or not to return

The apostle Paul, in his letter to the church of Corinth, observes:

"On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable."

(1 Corinthians 12: 22, English Standard Version)

So, no matter how ineffective or insignificant you may feel, God has great plans for you. Each one of us is blessed with gifts or talents that we may not even be aware. Some are good at public speaking; some are better at encouraging others; some of us are gifted singers or musicians; others have a talent for drawing or writing. Some are good listeners; others may be great networkers.

One thing is for sure. What ever talent or gift you have been blessed with, no matter how small it may seem to you; God wants you to use it for the benefit of others.

Further reading:

from the Holy Bible, 1 Corinthians, chapter 12.

If you would like to know more about the Christian faith, you might like to attend The Alpha Course, which offers a free meal, solid teaching, the opportunity to ask questions and meet new friends in a relaxed setting. Click here for more details.

If you would like to know more about how I became a Christian, click here.

Email me at paul.forrest@articlewriter.biz