Sharing the Stage

You know how sometimes a phrase keeps popping into your mind, and you can’t seem to shake it? Lately for me, it’s been the idea of sharing the stage.

What is that supposed to mean? 

I don’t know what comes to your mind when you hear the phrase “sharing the stage,” but for me, it’s an image of a band: a group of people standing on stage, each member with their instrument and microphone. That then transports me into thoughts of Christian community and what our witness to the world and our testimony to the rest of the church should look like. 

We are all called to bring the message of God’s truth to a watching world, much like singers on a stage sharing their music with an audience. But we’re not supposed to do this alone; we’re meant to do it together. That’s where the work comes in. Because sometimes it’s difficult to share the stage with those we labor beside. It’s hard enough to be a witness on our own. Bring in others, and the task becomes much more complicated. Egos get involved. Feelings are hurt. And sometimes the message is shadowed by the actions of the messengers.   

While the principle is based on a metaphor, the truth it speaks of is real. This concept is deeply relevant to our lives in the context of Christ-centered relationships in our local churches and beyond. 

clamor and discord

The story of Saul and David as told in the latter half of 1 Samuel has a lot to teach about what it means to share the stage by making room for others. Sadly, Saul is an example of what this should not look like. Blinded by jealousy and driven by hate, he was so determined to hold on to his throne that he tried to kill David multiple times, forcing the future king into a life of hiding. Looking at the life of Saul, we see a man who could not accept the giftings of others when they threatened his own. Rather than doing all he could to support and encourage David as he prepared to step into the king’s role, Saul feared for his position and clung to it as long as he could, even after God had made it clear that he was no longer the one for the job. 

I’m pretty sure none of us are so jealous of someone that we’re trying to kill them. But do we ever feel threatened by the giftings of others, especially those closest to us? Do we ever wish that we could sing like she does or speak like he can? Are we ever tempted to channel those feelings of jealousy and discontentment into something more sinister, feeding a spirit of resentment? 

Do we ever try to push others off the stage because we’re afraid they will take our place?

Maybe we’re not as different from Saul as we might think.

unity and peace

There is another character in the story of Saul and David who adds a touch of brightness to an otherwise dark and depressing saga. That is Saul’s son Jonathan, who was little like his father. Jonathan was not threatened by David, even though he knew that David would be the next king. Rather than attempting to sabotage God’s plan, Jonathan surrendered to the Lord’s sovereign will and accepted his place. Because of his submissive spirit in this matter, he and David were able to share a sweet friendship unmarred by competition.  

Unlike his father, Jonathan never had the chance to be king. He was only ever a prince. It may have been easier for him to let go of a position he’d been prepared for than it was for Saul to give up a role he already had. Or it may have been harder. We don’t know. What we know is that Jonathan chose God’s path. He wasn’t afraid of David; rather, he “loved him as his own soul” (1 Samuel 18:3b ESV). That’s a kind of love I dare say most of us share with few others, if any, and almost certainly not someone who is meant to take our place.

But that’s the kind of love we’re called to show. As God’s Word tells us, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:3-4 ESV).

come together

“We’re all in different stages and phases of growth and development, but we’re all precious to God, all a work in progress, all engaged in the priceless work of the kingdom. Do remember that what we notice in others is something that we already possess to some degree—or at least we have the potential to—both positively and negatively. When we refuse the weakness and pettiness of a jealous spirit and instead rise up as co-laborers tending to a greater cause than our momentary selfish whims, the enemy is the one who gets blindsided. When we’re together—refusing to let pettiness divide—he cannot tell where you end and I begin. All he can see is an unbeatable army.” 

— Susie Larson

When we’re occupied with jockeying for positions on stage, tripping over tangled wires as we push others aside to make more room for ourselves, we’re missing out on the opportunity to present a united witness by participating in a powerful form of ministry—the kind that only happens when we work together as one.

On the other hand, when we choose to see and celebrate others’ giftings, all of us are strengthened, and we realize that on this stage there’s room enough for everyone. Whether you’re tucked in a corner away from others’ sight or positioned in the center under the spotlight, you have a place and a purpose, just the same as the ones beside you.

So today, will you choose to share the stage?