You are the glue!

Do you ever play the comparison game? Wishing that your abilities included being the best at being able to sing, play musical instruments, athletic skills, or earn that six figure income that you know that you are worth.

Have you ever wished that things had turned out differently with your relationships with family and friends?

The first summer that I was a camp counselor, I got swallowed up in thoughts of self-pity. Because I spent way too much time wishing that I had the gifts and talents that other people had on our staff. I kept measuring myself against everyone else and I failed every time. The simple truth is that I was only failing in my eyes.

Mid-summer the program director met with each counselor to do an evaluation of how we had done so far. I was nervous but I really admired and respected Wes, so I knew that it would be okay.

He told me that I was one of the best camp counselor’s on his staff. I was stunned and filled with disbelief. I told him that I wasn’t athletic or very musical, and that I felt like I didn’t measure up. He shared with me that I didn’t need to focus on the gifts that I didn’t have, but that I need to concentrate on the things that I did well. I still didn’t understand. He told me that I was the glue that held the staff together. That in my own quiet way I was a leader. I lead by encouragement and accepting people for who there were. He asked me why I didn’t treat myself in the same way. I discovered a lot about myself that summer but more importantly I found the truth in God’s Word.

10 “I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” Phil 4:10-13 (NIV)
“3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. 4 Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. 7 If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8 if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.
Love
9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. 20 On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:3-21 (NIV)