“Stay in your lane.” The expression can be said in both negative and positive ways. Negative: “Mind your own business; stay in your own lane and leave mine alone”; positive: “Do what you do well and don’t feel the need to venture into another lane.”

The positive approach to this advice is the only one I care to look at today.

I was recently asked by a friend, “Why don’t you serve in this ministry?” And told by another, “I’m surprised you don’t volunteer at this ministry. It’s such a great organization, and you would be a real blessing there.” She then added, “Don’t you care about this particular need?” Another individual sat in my home and told me I need to fellowship with others more . . . I chose not to reply that we have had several hundred people in our home over the last couple of years. It wasn’t his information to know nor was telling others about our service of hospitality our motive for doing it.

There are honestly so many good things that you could be a part of. But that doesn’t mean that they are the best way for you to serve. Someone like me, who is retired, may say, “Well, it only takes a few hours to donate your time to help out at this organization once a month.” But to the mother of three young children, those hours are not currently an option due to all the extra work involved.

I could go on and on with numerous illustrations and examples. But you, my faith-friends, are smart. You get it.

So please, let your words to others and your actions on behalf of others live out the lessons of varying gifts, strengths, and burdens that are taught in Romans 12:3-13. There is a Holy Spirit Who leads, guides, prompts, helps, prods, and encourages. And it’s not you.

When someone asks if you are interested in a certain ministry or a specific project, that’s fine. When they try to shame you into thinking you’re not loving Jesus because you don’t serve in the same way or in the same place where they serve, that’s just wrong.

Stay in your lane. It’s where you’re meant to be.

Photo: (c) BLHenderson 2026