Wanting to be the quarterback

The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" (1 Corinthians 12:21)

When you watch a football game, all eyes are on the quarterback. Even though people on the sidelines call in plays, the quarterback has final say over what happens at the line of scrimmage. His skills and judgment are closely scrutinized; if the team loses a game, it is usually the quarterback who takes the blame.

Of course, it’s not really fair. A quarterback can’t execute well if he is not part of a good team. He needs linemen to protect him and receivers to score points. He needs a good defensive unit to get the ball back in his hands as soon as possible. A football team needs all sorts of players, each with their own particular set of skills. Yet in spite of this fact, quarterbacks tend to get most of the attention.

We all crave some time in the spotlight. We appreciate it when people come to us for advice. We like to be in charge of things, to have others depend on us and follow our orders. No one wants to be a nameless face working in a cubicle; no one wants to feel like a small gear in a big machine.

The trouble is, there are only a few openings for quarterback. Most football players have to settle for other positions on the team. And it’s the same everywhere in life. Only a few people get to run things; most of us have to be content going through life under someone else’s leadership.

But kickers are important, too. So are centers and defensive ends and line backers. A team needs all sorts of players to be successful. So it is in life. Each of us has an important role to play, even if it’s not glamorous. We might prefer a different position in the lineup, but God is our coach, and He puts us where our skills can best be put to use.

A good coach is indispensable. It’s the coach who teaches the players to work together as a team. It’s the coach who puts together winning game plans. It’s the coach who understands each player’s strengths and weaknesses, and positions them to be the most effective. That’s what God does with each of us. No matter what role in life the Lord has assigned to you, you can be sure that He has given you an important place in His game plan.