Designed for Others

As I learn more about others' designs, I'm continually amazed by the variety, creativity, and uniqueness of those around me. One thing that seems to be consistent, however, is that there is always a component of using their design with or for others.

Life is an exciting business, and most exciting when it is lived for others. ~Helen Keller

This shouldn't be surprising, since we were created from a triune God (Genesis 1:26) and we are encouraged to continue meeting together so we can stir up love and good works in others (Hebrews 10:24-25).

But I wonder if this is new: You are an indispensable member of the church. It needs you. It needs your brain, your brawn, and the mixture of those things that make up your design. It needs people who know themselves well and can love others with what God has gifted them with.

There is an old adage that says "20% of the people do 80% of the work". If you've ever been on a volunteer team, this probably rings true. Why is that? Why do so few people do a lion's share of the work?

There are likely many different answers to this question. Maybe the church is only communicating the high-priority needs. Maybe they don't see the need. Maybe they don't think they are needed. Maybe they don't know how to work towards meeting that need.

Honestly, those answers don't matter because you still are on the hook. You are still responsible to "stir up one another to love and good works" (Hebrews 10:24). Maybe you're not on stage on Sunday mornings and maybe you aren't leading in a noticeable way but you are still needed (1 Corinthians 12).

Romans 12:6-8 says "use what ya got" (paraphrased). If you have the ability to make people feel welcome and honor God while doing it, you should do it. If you can make bathrooms sparkle and honor God while doing it, you should do it. We aren't called to do the job we want to do but called to be who we are in the body for the body.

Not only are you needed but you were placed there for a reason, a purpose. Sadly, very few people pursue that purpose with any real zeal. And that lack of pursuit creates sad, stagnant people who comprise the 80%.

I think part of the reason this happens is that

few people desire the "greater gifts", namely those that have been imparted to them from God, and
the lack of knowing how to pursue their purpose.

The first item is a heart issue and I pray that God moves people to love fiercely with their design. That's all I can do.

The second issue, lack of tools to pursue purpose, can be addressed in understanding design and asking God where to put it to use. I believe you, reader, were designed and purposefully created.

If we do take the journey of understanding and using our design, we'll likely be more satisfied with where we are and we'll be following in Jesus' footsteps (Matthew 20:28).

How are you going to use your Design to further God's kingdom in your world?