having a fit - dee bowman

Having a Fit

by Dee Bowman
Southside Church of Christ
Pasadena, Texas

It’s not what you think. In this instance, having a fit is not engaging a temper tantrum, but having a place in matters. The word “fit” takes several different directions in usage. It sometimes refers to something that is appropriate—like an outfit. Sometimes it means fitting or adapting something to something else—so that “it fits.” At other times the word is used to describe something that is well suited to the conditions or circumstances of the case—such as a “fitting statement.” For our use here, it has to do with having a place in matters, being a part of the whole, fitting “in your place.”

How do you fit? First of all, do you really try to fit? Sometimes people want to fit but are not willing to put forth the effort to do so. They want to be a part, but are not willing to expend the effort and energy necessary to be so. It takes strength of character, courage of mind to fit. There is a work for everyone, something for you to do in the whole of matters; but you have to decide to fit, make up your mind that you’re going to be a part.

How do you know where you fit? Well, there’s nobody who can make that determination but you. Actually, introspecting in hard work. It’s hard being honest about your abilities or the lack thereof. But that’s what being fit is all about. And please be advised—it’s sometimes harder to admit to having the ability to do something than to admit to not being able, because the admission that you can do something worthwhile argues that you are responsible for doing it. Even the moral strength to ask the question, “how do I fit,” is difficult for some. Sometimes folks are afraid they might find the answer.

Where do you fit? Well, there may be several places where you fit. Look at Romans 12:6—“Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness” (Rom. 12:6-7). You may be able to teach. If you are, you should. You may be able to encourage the ill and those in need. If so, you should. You may be good at encouraging people. If you are, you must. You may be good at giving. If you are, you are responsible for doing it. And there are some who have more than one of these abilities. When such is the case, that person is responsible for all that he can do. Where do you fit?

What if I don’t fit? Then don’t do it. God doesn’t hold people responsible for what they can’t do. That is not to say you can’t improve or become fit for some endeavor. All of us should try to get better and try to fit in areas where we are weak. But there is considerable danger in trying to force yourself into some place where you just don’t fit. Not everybody is good at everything. In fact, lots of problems have been caused by people forcing themselves into areas where they don’t fit. Paul says, “having gifts differing.” Jesus told of a one-talent man in Matthew 25. It calls for considerable wisdom and honesty to admit that you just don’t fit someplace. It’s sometimes hard to just be yourself. My Dad used to say, “things wear out where they don’t fit.”

When do I fit? When there’s a need, that’s when. We have to be ready when we’re called on for something we can do, some way we can contribute. That means you have to keep your skills honed and ready so that when you’re needed there is no hesitation, only an immediate reaction to the need. Being ready is hard business. It calls for vigilance, patience, and constancy. Peter says, “be ready” (1 Pet. 3:15). You don’t stay ready accidentally; you have to work at it. That’s why studying the word of God, attending Bible classes, and listening to preaching is so important: it keeps you in tune with yourself and keeps you ready to respond to a need at a moment’s notice.

To refuse to find and keep your place results in a loss of the sense of urgency demanded by discipleship. To “take my yoke upon you” means that you are in the yoke on a continuing basis, but it also argues that it fits, for He also says, “my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” It’s easy because you have what is necessary to bear it; it’s light because it fits.

Are you ready to have a fit?