ARE YOU “STAYING IN YOUR LANE”?

As I have made the disclaimer before I am definitely NOT an authority on the latest teen slang; however, I have picked up a few sayings due to the nature of my profession as a high school science teacher. Among the latest things I have heard some of my students say is the expression “Stay in your lane”. I have not really paid attention to it until recently. I have been studying on the Gifts of the Spirit and trying to really use my gifts to the fullest. While studying I was reminded of a passage of scripture found in Romans 12:5-8 and it reads “so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.” Though far from being an expert in either of these areas, I think this is essentially what “Staying in your lane.” means. 

If you look at verse 6, it says “we all have different gifts”. So that means your gift may not be my gift, and my gift may not be the next person’s, but the fact remains we all have gifts. Furthermore, because we all have gifts there should not be riffs, competition, or discord in the body because each of our gifts is needed to bring in souls for Christ, right? If only this was the reality.

Unfortunately, I have seen a great deal of confusion in the body regarding this very thing. One of the issues is that many people are coveting other's gifts. They will try to "imitate" or “copy” what someone else is doing. They think that the other person’s gift is more glamorous so they will try and do that instead of what God told them to do. So what happens is they neglect their gift(s) because they spend their time trying to do what someone else is doing. It is important to understand that with each gift comes great responsibility, so be careful who you try to imitate. You don’t know what it took them to get there or what it takes for them to maintain that gift. One of my favorite sayings is taken from Luke 12:48 "To whom much is given, much is required." The take-away from that is: Don't attempt to operate in a gift that you cannot handle! 

Another issue that I have seen in regards to the gifts is that there are those that belittle, berate or slander those that are "staying in their lane" doing the very things that God created them to do! My students would call them "haters". To me it is the saddest thing. Instead of lifting our brothers and sisters up as they go forth in God, often times they get torn down. Sometimes many of them give up on the journey because of the "people" that they thought would support them are the ones that are killing them with their words! This is heartbreaking on so many levels, because if God gave them that gift it is NEEDED in the body.

We must focus on the goal and that is sharing Jesus with those who don't know Him. We must maintain in our "lanes" and operate in the gift(s) we have been entrusted with. We don’t have time to covet or belittle our neighbor’s gift(s). Staying in your lane means just that; do what you have been created to do. If we choose not to, it can only end in destruction just like running into another driver's lane while driving. If God doesn’t tell you to “change lanes” Then be faithful where He has placed you. Focus on what YOU have and grow and develop in that. Be encouraged today!