What role do you love to play in life? Starter? Sixth Man? Middle Man? Defensive Stopper? Big Brother? Table Setter? Chef? Lead Off? Closer? Anchor? Strategist? Peacemaker? Moderator? Mr. Clutch? Clown? Captain? Coach? Which one suits you best?

Regardless of talent, profession or personal preference, here are two roles God challenges us all to fulfill: spokesman and advocate. He calls us to excel here. This is our job and duty before Him. 

SPOKESMAN: The world is full of people who need their voice heard … to God and to others. So many hurt so much that they are speechless, stunned by tough circumstances, unable to bring themselves to words. 

Some may be so discouraged because their voice is suppressed, drowned out by those with bigger agendas. All are destitute, without physical, emotional or mental resources. 

Their confidence is shot, so is their hope. They may even struggle to pray. Silence is too often their only word.

God says that putting words to where another person hurts is our job, not just theirs. It requires observation and understanding. It demands big doses of our awareness, mindfulness and empathy. 

It certainly calls for persistent self-emptying regardless of our state. It must be done for others. 

ADVOCATE: Being one requires a spirit of intercession, a strong stepping in on behalf of what is right, on behalf of who is weak. O how grateful I am for those who risked and advocated for me in my life! 

Some college teammates were so beneficial to me when I was in school. So were some college presidents, a handful of my pastors, and certainly my family. My heroic mom sure championed me. 

I am indebted to all their advocacy. They believed in me, defended me, rescued me. To intercede, to advocate, is to imitate Jesus.

So let’s keep speaking up and judging fairly. Let’s keep sticking our noses in and defending the rights of the poor and needy. Let’s support justice at home, in community, abroad. 

Let’s meet the needs of others. Let’s give our LIFE (Labor, Influence, Finances, Expertise) for this mission. This is the charge of the LORD and His calling for His people.

Reflect: Who are you speaking up for besides yourself? What righteous cause needs your defense just now? Who could use your prayerful intercession?

A prayer to consider: LORD God Almighty, thank You for providing full, forever High Priest intercession in Christ for me (Hebrews 7:24-25), What a gift! There’s no trick, just treat with Your amazing advocacy. 

Help me, O Father, to be rightly defensive-minded when it comes to supporting others, to speak up for those who really need it. By Your Spirit, make me always aware and ever bold to do this, I pray. In Jesus name, Amen.