One of the major themes of Scripture concerns maturity. In the beginning, the world was created infantile, something to be developed and brought to a mature condition. This story of Scripture is written into every human being conceived in the womb of a woman.
Like the creation of which we are a part and represent, we mature. We mature physiologically as our bones, muscles, and organs grow. We mature psychologically and intellectually by learning new things and growing in wisdom. Scripture’s story is written into our existence as humans.
Biblical faith is submission to the story the way God tells it. Faith believes the story the way God tells it and doesn’t seek to make up its own story. When we submit to that story, realizing it is truly our story, we are shaped by that story and become active participants in seeing the story come to its full and glorious conclusion.
There are many parts to be played. Though some characters in the story stand out more prominently than others, no character in this divine drama is without importance. The story of the maturation of creation means that each of the characters in the story must play his part. We all must concern ourselves with the place God has given us. God has not called us to seek to be the star but to be faithful in whatever he has called us to do. All of it is important because all of it contributes to the overall mission God has given us, his people. Every floor swept, every meal cooked, every broken relationship mended, every tear wiped, every scrape doctored, every test taken, every tough day endured on the job, all of it is part of God’s plan to bring his creation to maturity. Your job–your only job–is to stay faithful to the task he has given you.
Whatever responsibility he has given you–spouse, children, parents, job, etc.–is where he wants you to be found a faithful steward. He has not told you to be overly concerned about those things he has not given you. Those belong to him and someone else. Leave them there. Fulfill your role. That’s all he’s called you to do. But he has called you to do that. Worrying about other people’s tasks and roles all the time, wishing they were yours, or constantly being critical of them is a distraction for you. You are spending all your time worried about others’ roles so that you are not playing your own. Stay on task and fulfill your responsibilities with all your might. You might not be as noticed by others as you would like. But faith informs you that the only one that matters knows what you are doing, and he will reward you.
