What is your own unique role in the kingdom of God? Have you ever wrestled with wrong thoughts that your role was inconsequential and that you were a dispensable, unimportant member in the Body of Christ? I want to assure you right now that this line of thinking is false! In fact, those poisonous thoughts are actually intended to distract you from the plan and purpose of God for your life.

In Second Timothy 2:20 Paul wrote to the younger minister, “…In a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.” The phrase “a great house” from the Greek words megale — which depicts something very large — and oikos, the word for house. When the words oikos megale are used together, the new phrase no longer refers to just a regular residence or house that just any citizen might live in. Instead, it paints the picture of a very large house.

Using the words oikos megale, Paul had borrowed the illustration of the impressive houses of ancient Rome, Athens, Corinth, and Ephesus to depict the majesty of God’s house, which is the greatest and most impressive of them all. And Paul told us that just as in the large homes of the wealthy of his day, in God’s house “…there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and earth….” And each of those interesting vessels has a specific, designated purpose.

With this example, the Holy Spirit was showing us that all kinds of vessels — people with different functions and roles — are needed in God’s house. Imagine how dysfunctional a house would be if all the vessels in it were made of gold and silver! That household would not be able to operate or function normally.

There are many different roles in God’s kingdom, and each one is significant and important. Maybe your role is visible, or perhaps your role is behind the scenes. Regardless of the position or assignment you have right now, I encourage you to consider it an honor that God would use you in His house!

And I urge you to say yes to the role God has given you at this time and to do it wholeheartedly, with all the enthusiasm and zeal you can muster. In other words, throw your arms open, embrace your role, and hold it close. Take deep into your heart the place of service to which God has assigned you for this season — and purpose to master that position, fulfilling its responsibilities with an excellent attitude.

As you receive willingly, cheerfully, and obediently whatever God has assigned for you to do — and you take very seriously the fulfilling of that God-given role or assignment — you will position yourself for Him to move you to higher levels of responsibility according to His will and His purposes for your life.

Have you ever been frustrated with some task that had been given to you in God’s house because you felt it was so small? Did you feel stuck, thinking your role was less important than that of others because yours was “only” a supportive role? Every one of us has struggled with feelings like these at one time or another. What are some of ways you’ve discovered to combat these discouraging thoughts?

And let me ask you this: Have you ever personally been around someone infected with “star sickness,” who treats others poorly because they are not in as prominent a position as he or she is? What did you learn by observing this person’s inappropriate treatment of other people? When I have been ill-affected by someone else’s failings or shortcomings, I try to learn from my experiences what effect I similarly do not ever want to have on others. I’ve always found this to be a good rule of thumb to live by.

It is my prayer that you will boldly embrace the role that God has assigned to YOU in the kingdom of God. Your role is not less significant than anyone else’s. It’s your role. It’s your place. So embrace God’s grace and be the best you can be in the place where God has assigned you!

If you’ll embrace your position in the season you’re in and draw near to God as you worship Him with your service, you’ll find greater fulfillment than you ever thought was possible. You’ll also keep the way clear for God to move you to your next assignment at just the right time!