Bella Vista Church of Christ
LIFELINES
October 17, 2001 Bobby Dockery
Don't Underestimate Yourself
I read an entry in the diary of a 70-year-old man in which he bemoaned the fact that he had no talent and had never been able to succeed at anything. He insisted that his whole life had been “a succession of disappointments. I can scarcely recollect a single instance of success in anything I ever undertook.” Yet the man who wrote that held more offices than any other man in U.S. history: Minister to the Hague; Emissary to England; Minister to Prussia; State Senator; U.S. Congressman; U.S. Senator; Ambassador to Russia; Secretary of State; and President of the U.S. He was John Quincy Adams!
Many are afflicted with similar feelings when it comes to their service to Christ in the Kingdom! They feel that have no real talent or ability; that there is really not much they can do for Jesus. So they sell themselves short. In the service of God we often underestimate ourselves - individually and collectively!
The Bible has a clear-cut message for us when we are tempted to take this view of our abilities to excuse ourselves from service.
1) You Are Gifted.
In Ephesians 4.11-12, Paul writes: “And he gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ.” The point is that God endows us with certain talents and abilities, and He provides us with opportunities to use them! We must put our talents to use or earn the condemnation of our Lord!
2) You Are Unique!
We don’t all have the same function: but we all have some function! Not every member of the body of Christ has the same desire, or interest, or ability, or energy level. Some have been criticized because they don’t do what others do (leading public prayer, teach class, preach, etc.). There is a human tendency to think everybody should be doing just what we are doing! But we are all different! Our different talents are needed to make up a well-rounded, fully-developed body! Nobody else has exactly your stock of talents. Don’t be disturbed by abilities you do not have. God made you like He wanted you to be. Use whatever He has given you to His honor and glory!
3) You Are Needed!
If you refuse to use your God-given talent, then the body is handicapped! We cannot function effectively without you! There are many areas of service in every congregation of the Lord’s church; You are wanted and needed; You are valuable! Find your role and fill it! Do what you can! There is something that won’t be done unless you do it!
Don’t underestimate what you can do! Some years ago, Jan Smothers was named Student of the Year at Freed-Hardeman College. She was born without arms. She drove her car, dressed and fed herself, and took notes in class--with her feet! She refused to hide behind, “I can’t!” She did what she could! God doesn’t expect you to do what you can’t; He just expects you to do what you can!
BOBBY DOCKERY
Fayetteville, Arkansas
