The Right Spot

The Boston Red Sox saw little potential in their 24-year-old pitcher. He’d had a couple of decent years but showed little sign of improvement. Eventually, he was traded to the New York Yankees, who moved him to the outfield to utilize his strong arm. The Yankees also believed he could become a good hitter. They were right. Years later, few people remember that Babe Ruth began his career as a mediocre pitcher in Boston!

Different athletes are blessed with different skills and physical traits, and each makes them more effective in some positions than others. A football player who is 5-foot-10 and 200 pounds might be a tremendous running back, but he would struggle as a wide receiver.

It is vitally important for a coach to find the position that allows the athlete to use his or her skills to the fullest. Athletes in the wrong position may still perform adequately, but they will never reach their full potential.

Christians must also find the right position. Paul teaches us in 1 Corinthians 12 that different Christians are given different gifts. For example, some are gifted teachers, while others are gifted administrators. When the right talent is matched with the right job, great things happen.

As Christians, we should never feel compelled to work in an area in which we are not gifted. Rather, we should wait on the Lord and His counsel. God will give us the opportunity and grace through Jesus to use our God-given gifts.