I was stuck.

A project I was assigned at work had me spinning my wheels. I just wasn’t sure where to begin.

I’m not much of a strategist and this task required some of that.

After some time, my supervisor became aware of my dilemma and assigned a co-worker to tag-team the endeavor with me.

Game-changer! Immediately, the project began to take shape.

My co-worker’s strategic ideas partnered with my drive to accomplish had us crossing the finish line on the task in no time.

Individually, we would not have been able to finish the project as efficiently as we did. Working together, though, we utilized our unique perspectives and roles with great results.

It reminded me of a situation Paul addressed in Corinthian church. They were struggling to embrace the value of diverse roles and instead were getting hung up playing favorites.

“What then is Apollos? What is Paul? They are servants through whom you believed, and each has the role the Lord has given. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.” (I Corinthians 3:5-6 CSB)

The Corinthians’ view about Kingdom work and roles had been very myopic. As a result, they were splintering into sects and adversely affecting the full impact of the Gospel in their midst.

Paul’s words realigned their vision to see that all of us have a part to play.

As Christ-followers, that’s a crucial reminder for us today, as well, isn’t it?

We can get distracted thinking our role, our voice, our position isn’t as valuable, as necessary, or as important as so-and-so’s. As a result, we get sucked into the whirlwind of comparison and immediately lose sight of who God positions us to uniquely be.

That is a such a trap.

The role I played in my work assignment was no less valuable than my co-worker’s. It was just different.

Each of us today brings our own unique roles to the spaces we fill. They are small (but uniquely beautiful) roles in God’s big, divine plan.

He wants to use us all.

I may be a helper and my co-worker a gifted strategist, but is it God who gives the blessed results and gets all of the glory.

Until next time, Grace and Glory!