The Utility Player

The Utility Player

Ready:

 ¹⁹ For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. ²⁰ To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. ²¹ To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. ²² To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. ²³ I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings. 1 Cor 9:19-23

Set:

I recently met someone who asked me what my role is with FCA. I responded, “I am the Regional Director of Operations, Talent Advancement, and FCA Cycling.” That was received with a chuckle and reply, “I’d like to see that on the organizational chart. Who made that up?” The question was then posed again. This second time, my answer focused on job functions rather than titles and I responded that I work up, down, and sideways in the chain of command to identify and solve staff and system problems. I am “chief problem solver” or “chief solution officer” – often a “Utility Player.”

As I ponder this encounter, 1 Corinthians 9 comes to mind. The heading of that chapter in the English Standard Version of Scripture is “Paul Surrenders His Rights.” In that chapter, God allowed us a window into the life and mind of the Apostle Paul as he worked through questions. Please pause here, grab your Bible, and read the entire chapter. Notice Paul’s tone in the first eighteen verses. He appears a bit frustrated (much like I was in the question-and-answer session of the first paragraph).

Scripture doesn’t allow Paul (or you and me) to wallow in frustration. It transparently reveals Paul’s thought process as he worked through the process to arrive at Scripture-based conclusions. He asked the questions, used his knowledge of God and His Word as applied to his life, and provided answers. His frustration became God's tool, driving him to peace-filled (God-centered) conclusions.

Through Paul, God provided the scriptural model for moving from frustration to focus. He understood his freedom in Christ, his relationship to the law, his weaknesses, and how it all contributed to the most important thing: his salvation and his role in inviting people to experience and enjoy that same salvation through the faithful presentation and embodiment of the gospel. He concludes that paragraph by saying, “I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.” (v23)

In essence, Paul was a utility player who analyzed and leveraged his varied life experiences to help advance the gospel. He could view widely (and wildly) varied situations through the gospel lens and provide answers that people from all walks of life could comprehend. God’s design for Paul and Paul’s analysis provided the insight that contributed to souls being added to Christ’s Kingdom.

As I ponder the lesson, I’m reminded of my commitment to leading every coach and athlete into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and His church so that we see Him transform the world. If I can help those I serve to accomplish that mission more efficiently and effectively, I have obediently answered Jesus Christ's call on my life. He is the One I am called to satisfy. Of that, I am certain. Nothing else matters.

Go:

1.     Describe a time when a conversation or situation has gotten you off balance.

2.     What did you do about it? How did you process it? Did you use Scripture?

3.     How does your study of Scripture need to improve so your knowledge and application can grow? 

Workout:

1.     1 Corinthians 19

2.     Hebrews 10

Overtime:

Father, may every situation we encounter be processed with and through Scripture and your saving work in our lives. As we learn from living an analyzed life, may we pass lessons learned along to others? Amen