The Significance of Role Players

When you're feeling insignificant and think of yourself as some sort of lowly "role player" in the church, remember that God has a purpose for your life and that no role is to be regarded lightly.  In Philippians 2, we read:
3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. 5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.

We all have great significance, but that is determined not by what we accomplish or how much time we spend in the limelight or gain the attention of others, but who Christ has made us to be.   Everyone has a gift, each person has a purpose, and we recognize that as we remain humble and dependent on Him, that He will bring glory to His name through our lives.  So we prepare so that we will be ready for God to flow through our lives at His appointed times.

In John chapter 3, John the Baptist, in response to those that came to him and reported what Jesus was doing, said that:
(27) "A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven. 28 You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, 'I am not the Christ,' but, 'I have been sent before Him.' 29 He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled. 30 He must increase, but I must decrease.

Two young men who were passed over by the major college universe became unlikely heroes in the Final Four on Saturday.   Louisville's Tim Henderson, who grew up pretending to be Larry Bird and lists his favorite book as the Bible, looked like he might play his college ball at Indiana-Southeast, an NAIA school.  But his heart was set on attending where his parents did - the University of Louisville.

After Kevin Ware's famous broken leg, Pitino told him to be prepared to play. And while everyone in the world was asking Ware about his injury, Ware was talking to Henderson.

"He told me, 'I believe in you, I've seen you in practice,' " Henderson said. "He talked me through a lot of stuff.   Tim said that, "I was getting texts this week from people saying, 'We're praying for
you.' "

USA Today reports that with just more than 13 minutes left, Wichita State led Louisville 47-35, and coach Petino inserted Henderson, who hit a three-pointer from the corner with 13 minutes left, and another at 12:18. The lead was suddenly down to 47-41, and the entire mood changed. The rally was underway.

Louisville ended up winning the game, earning a slot in tonight's championship against Michigan, which had an unsung hero of its own - Spike Albrecht.   He didn't have a lot of college takers after high school, so he enrolled in a prep school and attracted some interest - from Appalachian State and...Michigan. 

MLive.com reports that in their semifinal, the Wolverines were clinging to a three-point lead against Syracuse, and Albrecht hit his first 3-pointer, despite being offbalance and struck by a defender. Then fewer than 2 minutes later, he hit a deep 3-pointer that give Michigan a seven-point lead. Albrecht finished with six points on two shots in 4 minutes of work.   But what a statement that this backup to Trey Burke made.

So, tonight, if you watch the action, perhaps Henderson and Albrecht will get in the game for the respective teams, maybe not.   But, they delivered powerful performances that can serve as a reminder for us as believers.

Number one, be ready when you're called.   As their teams were struggling Saturday, they were prepared and stepped up.   When you encounter difficult circumstances, it's important that you are spiritually sharp, prayed up, having spent time in the Word, and having an attitude of utter dependence on God - abiding in Christ helps us to be ready.

And, don't underestimate your role.   You may think that you're a "role player" - your work isn't seen or you don't get the appreciation that you desire or think you deserve.   But, in a sense, God has given all of us gifts and talents to play a certain role.   Some may be more high profile than others, but all are important.    In Sunday School yesterday, we discussed someone who could be considered the ultimate role player, in a sense - John the Baptist - who actually had his own ministry going...until Jesus hit the scene.   Then, John said, "He must increase, but I must decrease".   What a great attitude!   We are all placed on earth to glorify God, and no role is to insignificant.