We Each Have a Part to Play

November 22 marked the anniversary of C.S. Lewis’ death, in 1963. Many people around the world mourned the death of this noted writer and literary scholar. But for his own part, he was ready to go. During his final days he made the following memorable declaration: “I have done all I wanted to do, and I’m ready to go.” What a blessed state to live in, and die, in!

Reading this struck home with me, because I’ve been thinking along this line for a while. My fall down our stairs last May created much time for reflection and heart searching. It helped me realize more than ever how critical it is to spend this life well. Not just live it, in the sense of existing or doing what’s necessary to get by. But to spend it well, investing in things of eternal value.

Doing our part

In Lewis’ book The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, four children are evacuated from London during WW2. Upon their arrival at a large old country house, the grumpy housekeeper greets them. And in the BBC film version she instructs them to leave their suitcases in the hallway. “The servants will take these,” she tells them. “That is their function. One must not deprive people of their function. Everyone has their part to play.”

We all have a part to play. I do, and so do you.

You have your own story and a special part to play. From your past, God creates your unique voice and ministry. No one else can share Christ in quite the same way.

For me, blogging plays a part in this. Even in childhood I wrote stories, eager to share my thoughts with others. Yet I have always struggled with going public with my writing, particularly blogging. Fear of that always plagued me.

• Who am I to think I can write, when I’m not even a real writer? (Even though the true definitaion a writer is someone who writes.)
• Who would ever care to read my ramblings?
• What if, by sharing, I bother people?
• What if people think I’m trying to show off or be a know-it-all?

The enemy of our souls works at convincing us that we are unworthy, unable, and will never measure up to our aspirations. Because of those lies, we sometimes try to hide, and give up on the dreams God has put in our hearts.

But God calls us to shine our light, not hide it. He calls us to put on our armor and fight against the enemy’s lies. To march forward and stand firm in our place. Prepared and ready to carry out our role and function. And thereby bless others.

Struggling with our role

Do you struggle with your role, always feeling inadequate? Do you let others, or even the enemy’s lies, define you? Take heart in knowing that God has a purpose for any task he assigns. So put your talent on a lampstand, and let your light shine. Even if it is only visible to one person.

At life’s end, I want to be able to repeat Lewis’ words, “I have done all I wanted to do, and I’m ready to go.” And better yet to say, “I have done all God wanted me to do.” May the Lord help us to be faithful so that in the end we will all hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” We will have spent our life well, choosing to flourish and thrive in all we do – and encouraging others to prosper too.

You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:14-16 CSB

Image by sopwithxiii1918.