The Boston Red Sox saw little potential in their 24-year-old pitcher. He’d had a couple of decent years, but he had showed little sign of improvement. Eventually, the team traded him to the New York Yankees, who decided to move him to the outfield to utilize his strong arm. The Yankees also believed that he could become a good hitter. They were right. Years later, few people remember that Babe Ruth began his career as a mediocre pitcher in Boston!

Different athletes are blessed with different skills and physical traits, and each makes them more effective in some positions than in others. A football player who is 5’ 10” and 200 pounds might be a tremendous running back, but he would struggle as a wide receiver. A 7’ 2” basketball player would likely be unsuccessful playing point guard. It is vitally important for a coach to find the position that allows the athlete to use his or her skills to the fullest. Athletes in the wrong position may still perform adequately, but they will never reach their full potential.

Christians must also find the right position. Paul teaches us in 1 Corinthians 12 that different Christians are given different gifts. For example, some are gifted teachers, while others are gifted administrators. There are few joys in life as great as using our gifts in God’s service. Conversely, there are few frustrations as great as attempting to serve in an area in which we aren’t gifted. But when the right talent is matched with the right job, great things happen. As Christians, we should never feel compelled to work in an area in which we are not gifted. Rather, we should wait on the Lord and His counsel. God will give us the opportunity and grace through Jesus Christ to use the gifts He has given us. We all need to identify our gifts and find the right place to use them!