Today’s reading is Romans 12.
Something I’ve noticed hearing people say more often (or at least as far as I’ve noticed) is that they feel like they “aren’t where they should be in life.” In most contexts, this pertains to people comparing their own abilities and accomplishments to those of others who have achieved great things.
A few examples: my wife begin pursuing a Master’s degree, but decided for many reasons that she was called to a different path. Now, nearly three years later, she still wonders how much money or esteem she’d be gathering in her original field.
A friend of mine works in real estate acquisition for a large company in a fairly big city. They’re very smart, hardworking, and charismatic, but a classmate of theirs recently got accepted to a senior position similar to their own in Chicago, and now expresses how dissatisfied and far behind their potential they feel they are.
Another friend with a degree in sound mastering is an incredible musician who helps work the soundboard at their church. But they recently caught up with an old classmate who worked on a team of professionals who won a Grammy for their soundtrack work, and afterwards struggled for a long time with feeling inadequate in their craft.
This feeling of not being as well-off and fulfilled is not limited to my own circle of young professional friends and family. People of all walks of life can relate to these feelings of inadequacy or misplacement, wondering where their own special talents and recognition lies. But as Christians, we know our standards are not tied to our earthly status or what position we hold among men, but our value lies in our Lord and in our identity in Him. As Paul says in Romans 12, “do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Even good Christians in Rome almost two millennium ago struggled with their worldly value and how they stacked up against mortal standards. But rather than pursuing value through the corruption and debasement of this life, Paul sees and celebrates the value instead in our position in the body of Christ: eternal and holy.
Further, he explains how “just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body.” God designs and handcrafts a special position and role for each of us, as each part of our body functions as it’s own to benefit the whole. Every body part, no matter how small compared to the bigger organs, is vital in keeping our bodies running the way they do. Likewise, as a body of believers, each act of work and service displays the glory of God in an amazing way when done generously and cheerfully. Every act of service done this way is equally important and beautiful in God’s eyes, and it brings Him great joy to see us use his gifts so lovingly.
When your lot in life seems lesser than what you’d hope for, just remember that no matter your position here on Earth, your role adds a valid and important part to the body of believers who serve our Lord God. Every single person’s gift’s and talents, no matter what they are, are pleasing and good to the Lord. He lovingly designed a spot for you in His kingdom for you to fulfill, no matter where that may be. So in all you do, do so remembering that the generosity and kindness you display build up the kingdom of Heaven for all. In all you do, do it for the Lord, and you will be rewarded eternally with Him and in Him.
- Ross B.