Being the centre of attention has its perks. You can set up days in the calendar where people have to be focused on you and you can act all coy and retiring and stuff as you also slyly smirk at the attention you receive, the compliments and some benefits like people doing your work for you.
There is, however, something even more rewarding about shining the light on someone else for them to be the centre of attention. There’s something about recognising what other people offer and using yourself as a means by which what that person offers can be shared in such a way that others will be blessed.
Doing this effectively, however, requires a huge dose of humility. It requires an awareness of the propensity to be about your story rather than not looking to be the main attraction. As you take an interest in the other and applaud their successes and how their attributes make a difference to others, so the marvel and the wonder of what God does in the lives of others can emerge.
As you play that part in being a platform for others, so it can set a great example for others to prefer being the platform than being the centre of attention. It does not downplay your gifts, skills or abilities. It does not neglect what you offer as well. It revels in seeing the beauty of Gd in another and giving room for that to shine brightly and encourage others likewise to shine.
I am grateful for the impact of others who have been a platform for me. I think of those who set me up to succeed and supported me to remind me that being a diligent servant in using the gifts, skills and abilities for His glory was what it was all about. They were eminently better than me in so many ways, but for them it was more important to support me and give me the chance to shine.
To me it makes sense, learning from those who did it so well, to follow in their steps and see that just as it was beneficial for the Body of believers to be a platform to those who could help us grow. The development of the Body to be about the business to which we’re called is of far greater importance that rushing to be the centre of attention.
There is One who does deserve to be the centre of attention. He gave His life for His friends so they could have right relationship with the Father. Their example of service and setting up others, is something that I want to continue in this generation. It will take a journey, but it’s one that I’m keen to progress along for His glory, for His praise, for His everlasting wonder and beauty, indeed …
(Photo by Neil Thomas on Unsplash)
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 