I am fascinated by the narratives within the Bible—why they are included and why such a significant portion of Scripture is conveyed through them. The Bible could have been written as a self-help guide listing directives; instead, it continually presents stories. The life of Jesus, for instance, is told four times and referenced countless more. Clearly, there is a profound significance in communicating the essence of Christianity through storytelling.
Moreover, it appears that we are meant to view our own lives as stories—individual pages within God’s greater narrative. The reason I emphasize the idea of a single page is to avoid the misconception that any one of us is responsible for the entirety of the story. Many people place undue burdens upon themselves, believing they must control every aspect of history, both past and future. This is a weight no one can bear. Attempting to do so can be crushing. You are not the author of this grand narrative; rather, you are entrusted with a role within it. While your choices do indeed matter, they matter within a humanly appropriate scope—a page in God’s story.
This brings us to an essential question: What will you do with the time you have been given? There is a memorable scene in The Lord of the Rings where Frodo, overwhelmed by the weight of his responsibility, laments that he wishes the burden had never fallen upon him. Gandalf responds wisely, saying that such feelings are common to all who face great trials, but ultimately, the choice lies in how one uses the time that has been granted. Similarly, we do not choose our place in the story, nor do we write the chapters that precede or follow us. We are given a page, a moment in time, and must discern how best to use it.
Even narrowing our responsibility to a single page can still feel overwhelming. Many of us hesitate when faced with a blank sheet of paper, fearing that we might write the wrong thing. This is a common anxiety, particularly among young people. We tell them to decide their future, often without acknowledging that such decisions are frequently subject to change. The pressure to define an entire life in one moment can be daunting.
The church in Corinth grappled with a similar question, though in a different context. Rather than asking, “What should I do with my page?” they asked, “Is my role important?” The Corinthian church was active but divided with disputes over roles and responsibilities. Some members questioned whether their tasks were as significant as others. Paul addresses this concern in 1 Corinthians 12:4-6:
Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone.
Paul’s message is clear: our roles are not self-selected. Even as we consider our blank page, we do not write freely without guidance. Rather, God provides direction. Our gifts are not self-generated; they originate from him. In a culture that values merit and achievement, this can be difficult to accept. We are conditioned to believe that our worth is tied to our accomplishments. However, Scripture presents a different perspective: our abilities—whether our gifts, acts of service, or activities—are granted by God, who empowers us to use them for his purposes.
Therefore, as we contemplate our purpose, we must begin by acknowledging the gifts God has given us. These gifts are not for our glory but for the benefit of others. 1 Corinthians 12:7 states, “To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.”
Similarly, 1 Peter 4:10 reinforces this idea and says, “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.”
This is a stark contrast to the cultural emphasis on personal achievement. In a worldly sense, talents and skills are seen as accomplishments that entitle individuals to recognition and reward. In the Christian perspective, however, they are gifts meant to be stewarded in service to others. The true measure of our gifts lies not in self-fulfillment, but in how they contribute to the well-being of those around us.
Furthermore, spiritual gifts are diverse. In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul provides a list of gifts—some extraordinary, such as healing and prophecy, and others more commonplace, such as acts of service and administration. Romans 12 and 1 Peter 4 include similar lists, encompassing gifts such as teaching, generosity, leadership, and mercy. This diversity underscores the fact that God equips each of us uniquely, using our experiences—both triumphs and failures—to shape us for his purposes.
Reflecting on personal experience, I can attest that growth often comes through failure. Many of us have stumbled numerous times before developing proficiency in our callings. In any discipline, whether preaching, teaching, or leadership, one must endure failure before achieving success. An expert is simply someone who has failed in all the productive ways possible and has learned from those experiences. God uses our failures to refine and develop our gifts, preparing us for the work He has set before us.
Thus, as we consider our role in God’s story, we must recognize that our task is not to invent a purpose for ourselves but to discern the purpose God has already woven into our lives. Romans 12:2 states:
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
This verse emphasizes that our calling is not something we decide arbitrarily. Instead, it is something we discover through discernment. Just as scientists uncover the fundamental laws governing the universe, we must uncover the divine design underlying our lives.
In conclusion, God has a purpose for each of us. While we have great freedom, we are not left without guidance. God has already equipped us with the gifts and experiences necessary to fulfill our role in His greater story. Our responsibility is to recognize and embrace these gifts, using them in service to others and for the glory of God. When the pages of our lives are compiled, they will form a narrative far grander than any of us could have written alone—a divine story that ultimately leads to Christ.
May we have the wisdom and courage to discern our role, the humility to serve faithfully, and the faith to trust in God’s authorship. Amen.
Dr. Benjamin Williams is the Senior Minister at the Central Church of Christ in Ada, Oklahoma and a regular writer at So We Speak. Check out his books The Faith of John’s Gospel and Why We Stayed or follow him on Twitter, @Benpreachin.
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