Stay In Your Lane!

"But we will not boast about things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you." 2 Corinthians 10:13

The Greek word for measure "metron" means a measure of capacity.

The Greek word for rule "kanon" literally means a reed or a cane - anything straight used in examining other things. In this context Paul uses the word "in a figurative sense to the thing or quantity measured or to the portion of the Lord's field which he had as it were measured out and allotted to be cultivated by himself." (The Complete Word Study Dictionary)

Every believer has been given a measure of influence or a portion of authority in the building up of God's kingdom that is to be cultivated by him. Every part needs to be effectually working their portion for the body to be built up.

Walk in the way God's called you, fully effectually, cultivating what He distributed to you - the whole body benefits when this happens! ...and the whole body hurts when it doesn't. Not only because of the person who doesn't do his part, but also when others overextend beyond the portion God's distributed to them!

To the extent I am taking on someone else's responsibility it will inhibit my ability to effectually cultivate what God has distributed to me!

"For we stretch not ourselves beyond measure..." 2 Corinthians 10:14a The Greek word "huperekteino" means to overdo, carry too far, to extend or stretch out excessively or too far.

Considering this, it is vital to ask:

What field have you assigned to me Lord?
And what does it look like to effectually cultivate it?
And are there ways I am overextending myself? Trying to cultivate a field that you haven't assigned to me?

Today at lunch Bob Evans shared his wife's story of the need to stay in your lane...

There was a foot race, with numerous runners. Ironically the very last person to finish the race was the one who won!

All the other racers who finished ahead of him were disqualified for lane violations. Not staying in their lane cost them the race!

To run well the race God has marked out for me I must "stay in my lane!"