Supporting Roles
Bible Reading: Psalm 8:1-9
Author: Michael Raypholtz (Ohio, US)
Author: Michael Raypholtz (Ohio, US)
Tuesday 26 May 2026 © The Upper Room.
During my first year at college I got my very first part in a play.
I played a paperboy, and I think it was the smallest part. I came on stage, annoyed all the other characters, and left.
Today, almost 30 years later, I can barely remember the plot of that play. But if anyone had asked at the time, I would have told them that it was all about the life of a paperboy—even though I was on the stage a grand total of three minutes!
I must confess that sometimes I think life is all about me—my own troubles, agendas and aspirations.
However, now and then the facts bring me back to reality. I read recently that scientists estimate that over 100 billion people have lived on the earth, and that there are hundreds of millions of galaxies in the universe.
All of this is in the hands of our mighty God. Even knowing this, I am still tempted to see myself as the ‘star of the show’. We are told that God loves each one of us—that he has counted the number of hairs on our individual heads (see Matthew 10:30 and Luke 12:7).
I find that God often reminds me that I am called to a supporting role, and that real joy is found in putting him and my neighbour first.
Prayer: Dear God, we confess that sometimes we are wrapped up in ourselves and forget about others. Help us to open our hearts to a bigger world and a bigger love. Amen
