Spring has always been my favorite season. Everything begins to turn green again, and the warmer weather melts away the cold days of winter. But most importantly, baseball returns from the dark recesses of the offseason. If you’ve spent much time around me, you know that St. Louis Cardinals baseball is one of my great loves beside the Lord of the Rings and Star Wars. That being said, I believe that many of the world’s great truths can be found within these.
Although some might wrongfully conclude otherwise, baseball is easily the greatest sport ever invented, but like many other sports, there is a strong reliance on the team. Even if one player stands out, the season won’t be won by that player alone. The team will win when every player carries out the function they have been given. In other words, teamwork makes the dream work.
In the same way, each of us has been given talents and gifts that are not alike, for “there are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work” (1 Cor. 12:4-6). God has given us these so we can better fulfill our purpose.
Seniors who are leaving in a few short days, juniors who are leaving in a few short months and underclassmen who are leaving in a few short years, make this your purpose in Christ: Be the kingdom in whatever situation you are in. Don’t limit your witness to moments of “evangelism,” because our lives are living sacrifices that are constantly on display for the world to see how we are representing Jesus.
How will you form a relationship with a fellow office worker to the glory of God? How will you participate in your club to the glory of God? How will you spend time with your friends to the glory of God? There is no set way to spread the kingdom; instead, use your talents and passion, that are a “manifestation of the spirit” and are “given for the common good” of the Church, to point people to the kingdom that is already here. (1 Cor. 12:7)
I would like to give one last word on behalf of this year’s Student Association before the mantle is passed to next year’s elected leaders: We thank you for the opportunity to serve the student body this year. This opportunity has blessed each of us richly, and we hope that we have been able to bless you as well.
To the 2017-2018 Student Association, you are all talented leaders, and I challenge you not to give up, but remain strong until the completion of your tenure. Rely on the Lord. Don’t give half-hearted effort, but work to the best of your ability when representing students. You can make next year one of the best Harding University has ever seen.
Let the Lord guide your steps as you go into next year. When Christ is the center of your life, your purpose will be clear. Give the good news to those who are yet to receive it. Embrace your purpose.
Written by Noah Watson.
