A number of years ago there was a drawing that made its way through youth ministry circles. The picture showed “the perfect youth minister.” The subject had at least twenty identified features and accessories that made them equipped for the job. The picture pokes fun at the number of expected “hats” youth directors are sometimes expected to wear. Unfortunately, I think it can sometimes become less of a cartoon and more of a self-portrait.
I’m a huge sports fan. I love watching, talking, critiquing, or playing sports. What I’m always amazed with is how much time coaches, players, and staff put in to their jobs. If you’ve never looked into it, you may want to check it out- it will likely amaze you…and maybe scare you.
My fear is that ministry is starting to look more and more like coaching. Coaches are judged on the success of their team. Therefore, a number of coaches put in more hours in a week than many of us could imagine. There seems to be a pressure to always be improving, to work harder than the next guy or girl, to be a the brain behind the plan that works.
One of the more freeing parts of my ministry today is how quickly I’m able to tell people “that’s not where my gifts are.” It may sound like a cop out, but I think that it’s actually just being honest.
“From [Christ] the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” Ephesians 4:16 NIV
I sometimes feel pressure to be an “übermensch” or an “over-man.” I feel like I need to be that drawing: able to be all things to all people and solve everyone’s problems. But that’s just plain wrong. Some might even say it’s sinful – trying to take the place of God. I think I might agree if that’s what they thought. There’s something beautiful in knowing who we are. Knowing our gifts. Knowing what are our gifts are NOT. Knowing we are limited, yet strengthened and made able by the work of God in us.
How well do you know yourself? Have others identified your gifts? Are you playing to your strengths? Are you being your part of the body? Are you trying to be too many parts of the body? Are you the elbow, but trying to do the work of the mouth? (Good luck with that).
This week, spend some time pondering your gifts. Ask other people that know you well if you’re unsure. There are numerous tests and surveys that might offer some insight. What about some things that aren’t gifts? Again, ask or take those surveys. Thank God for your gifts. Thank God for your weak areas. Continue the good work which God has begun in you.
Russell Bowlin (twitter) is the Director of Ministries for Youth and Young Adults at FUMC Victoria in Victoria, Tx. Read more of his thoughts on his blog http://www.russbowlin.blogspot.com
1 thought on “Devotion – Know Thyself”