ODB: A Supporting Role
December 15, 2011
The church works best when we see ourselves as participants, not as spectators.
READ: Romans 12:9-21
Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another. —Romans 12:10
After the American TV personality Ed McMahon died in 2009, one newspaper headline read, “When it came to being the No. 2 man, he was No. 1.” Best known for his 30-year tenure as Johnny Carson’s late-night sidekick, McMahon excelled at helping Carson succeed in the spotlight. While most entertainers strive for top billing, McMahon was content with a supporting role.
When the apostle Paul gave instructions about how to exercise our gifts as members of the body of Christ (Rom. 12:3-8), he affirmed the value of supporting roles. He began by saying that we should have a realistic opinion of ourselves (v.3), and he concluded with a call to genuine, unselfish love: “Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another” (v.10). Or, as J. B. Phillips translates it, “a willingness to let the other man have the credit.”
Our gifts and abilities come to us by God’s grace and are to be used by faith (vv.3,6) in love and service for Christ—not for personal recognition.
May God grant us the ability to embrace with enthusiasm the supporting roles to which He calls us. The ultimate goal is His glory and not our own.
— David C. McCasland
Source: Our Daily Bread
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Romans 12:10 (NKJV)
10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;
Good afternoon ,i’m matthew would like to share the above Gospel.I have share about our LORD JESUS healing with David, who had problem on legs and speaking.I meet him at my work place.He is attending service at church located outter Urban. Thank GOD ,he is confident and keep the note that i written, with CHURCH phone numbers ,located in the east.He give his contact to me.I wish him that our LORD JESUS may heal him.GOD Bless