Serving In The Box, Part Ii

Serving in the Box, Part II

The game of tennis has strict, unbending lines that signify what is in and out of bounds. Outside the line, there is no forgiveness or appeal, no chance for success. But inside the lines, great freedom exists.

Variety in the game of tennis is critical. The service game includes big serves up the tee, serves out wide, kick serves, and off-speed serves. Great tennis matches include the serve and volley, baseline play, playing the net, and drop shots, as well as overhead slams and lobs. No player has the same game or strategy as the next. This is part of the excitement and beauty of the game of tennis.

It is so, also, with the body of Christians. While God calls us all to live within the lines, he calls us all to life in the body that is unique to us. The variety of the talents and calls given to God’s saints is part of the excitement and beauty of this Christian life.

First Corinthians 12:4-7 states, “There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us. A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.”

Let us celebrate the different styles of “serves” that our brothers and sisters exercise. Let us support the “net play” as well as the “baseline game” in our journey together. Let us develop our own style of play based on the talents and calls God places on us, and allow the body around us to do the same. Let us enjoy the spiritual gifts bestowed to all for the common good!^a

There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us. A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.

1 Corinthians 12:4-7