Your Role Is Unique And No One Else Can Play It

"Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, to design artistic works, to work in gold, in silver, in bronze, in cutting jewels for setting, in carving wood, and to work in all manner of workmanship." Exodus 31:1-5 The setting: The Lord is revealing to Moses all the detailed instructions involved in setting up the tabernacle. When he gets to the specifications concerning the implements to be used, the details he gives are very complex, very intricate. He singles out Bezalel, saying that God has filled him with the Holy Spirit, and has endowed him with wisdom, understanding and knowledge in all manner of workmanship. In calling Bezalel by name, God makes it clear that not just anyone would be able to do this work, but only the ones he specifies and in whom God has given the skill to handle this kind of work. This is a picture of the Body of Christ. Every member of the Body of Christ is gifted. But it is important to remember that gifting is specific, so that only the one gifted with a certain gift can operate in that gift. Expectations… This is where trouble can brew. A believer looks at another who is operating in a particular gift, thinking he/she "should" be doing something like that too. But how can he, if he is not equipped to? No, a believer is not to be judged by what he cannot do, and that should put an end to all criticism in this area. "And the eye cannot say to the hand, 'I have no need of you,' nor again the head to the feet, 'I have no need of you.' No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; ...God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, THAT THERE SHOULD BE NO SCHISM IN THE BODY..." 1 Corinthians 12:21-25 If you're a foot, you cannot be an ear. If you're an eye, you cannot be a hand. Let no one judge you for not meeting their unreasonable expectations of you, as long as you are operating in the gifts you do have. The Scriptures admonish us to love one another, and that means to love the ones who are not meeting OUR expectations. No one can walk your walk, they're not equipped to. Nor can you walk theirs. Therefore, we are called to have respect for each one's calling regardless what it is, even if we consider another's calling "inferior." We are working together for a common goal, and each one has a part to play. This is how the Body of Christ works, each one playing his part. "And he himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ..." Ephesians 4:11-12 "Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?" 1 Corinthians 12:29-10 Just as important as it is to honor each one's calling, it is equally important that you play your part. If not, you are robbing the Body of Christ of the critical role you are equipped to play. Never think your gifts are inferior, there is no "inferior" gifting from God. Also, there is NO ONE who can play your part. If you don't play it, there is loss. Seek the Lord for direction so that you may operate effectively in the role you are CALLED to play. And then play it! Live it! With all your heart!