Finding "That Place"

Does finding "that place" really matter in the church today? Another way to ask that is; "Does it matter if I am where I should be?" This is one of those silent questions we all kind of ask ourselves. It is one of those things that we sometimes question when we find ourselves in a place of exhaustion. Does it matter if I am where I should be? The apostle Paul says yes. 1 Corinthians 12:27-30 27 "Now you are the body of Christ, and individual members of it. 28 And God has placed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, next miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, managing, various kinds of languages. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all do miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in other languages? Do all interpret?" There are a couple of things we see. One, there is order. God sets the body in such a way that there is leadership. Two, each has their own place. But notice this, none overlap. In other words, the hand is not trying to be the arm, the arm is not trying to be the leg, nor is the hand trying to be the foot. Each finds "that place." Each work only in that place or capacity. What happens in the body of Christ/churches, is too many are trying to do to much. Therefore nothing works as it should. Members are worried about things they don't need to worry about because they are trying to be somewhere or something they are not created to be. A body that has too many heads becomes confused, a body that has to many feet will stumble, and a body that has to many hands will be clumsy. Kind of sounds like our churches, right? Too many members trying to do things they were not created to do, getting in the way of those who were created to do so. The bible would call that member a "busy body." What also happens is the one who trys to do or be what they were not created to be, never accomplishes what they should be doing. This is as hurtful as trying to do something you were not created to do. Because the thing you should be doing never gets done properly. That role or task suffers, therefore the whole body suffers doubly. People get hurt, goals and ministries never are accomplished. All because we can not just accept "that place." What is ironic, most refuse to accept it. Even though it is easier on them. Even though it simplifies and reduces their responsibilities. Even though it gives more focus to what they should be doing. Have you ever tried to eat with your foot? Sounds silly right? But it has become the norm in our churches. And we let it happen. Real leaders will see the awkwardness and restore order. All because it is what is best for the body and the member. Even though they can't see it. When the members of the body find "that place", they will find peace and contentment. They will find satisfaction because they are doing what they were created to do. They will also find there is plenty to do in "that place." They will also find more power than they imagined. God will not empower or bless the members who are out of His will. He can not. As pastor I have people come to me and tell me they are burned out. One of the first things I ask myself, "are they where they should be?" They are usually asking you to help them even though they don't realize it. They may not even want to accept what you do to help them, but at the end they find themselves refreshed. Even though it is hard for them to let go of that place or thing they should not be a part of, they find contentment and rest. Why, because they stopped doing what they were not created to do. That simple. Being a part of the body of Christ is simple. Be where you were created to be! That's it. Focus on what you are suppose to. Let the rest of the members do what they are suppose to do. After all it is the body of Christ, not ours. He knows best and He is responsible for our placements. When we see a "need", do something different and let Christ fill it. What we see as a "need" may not be a need, but a want. And it maybe something Jesus doesn't want. If He does He will supply. There again, if we are doing what we have been created to do, we will not have the time to be concerned with it. The church does not need busy bodies, it needs members operating as they are placed.