“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” — 1 Peter 4:10
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Ever since he was signed by the Indiana Pacers, T.J. McConnell has been a fan favorite in the state of Indiana. He is the complete opposite of what a modern NBA player is thought to be. Standing at 6-foot-1, McConnell is greatly undersized compared to a majority of point guards in the league. In an era of basketball where the 3-pointer is king, McConnell is not an avid shooter from beyond the arc. While these things may be seen as weaknesses, McConnell uses these as strengths.
Because of his size, McConnell is faster and more agile, leading to him getting inside the lane quicker and dishing it out when the defense collapses, or putting up a clean shot when his defender overcommits to make up for the difference in speed. Another thing that has endeared fans and foes alike is his hustle. McConnell has a motor that very few players can keep up with for an extended period of time. There is no greater example of this than the 2025 NBA playoffs in which McConnell’s relentlessness was on full display, often keeping the Pacers in contention during close games.
Maybe the most important aspect of all is that McConnell doesn’t try to be something he isn’t. He doesn’t go for a poster dunk off a fast break or try to shoot a 3-pointer from the logo. He uses what he has been given to better help his team on the court.
When it comes to spiritual gifts, God wants His followers to take a similar approach. He wants every single believer to be a steward of their gifts to showcase the Gospel to those in the world.
It can be very easy to look at the gifts and abilities of others and become jealous or comparative. Oftentimes, a believer might be discouraged because they aren’t a pastor or preacher, so they feel as though they aren’t as good or important enough, but that’s not true. In 1 Peter 4:10, it says, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”
God gives every single person specific spiritual gifts to be used for the good of mankind in the name of Jesus Christ. The ultimate goal is to spread the Gospel and that looks different for everybody. It may not be preaching in front of a congregation or going to another country as a missionary, but the end goal is all the same. Just like T.J. McConnell uses the gifts and abilities he has to help his team, God wants His followers to do the same thing with their spiritual gifts.
— Gannon Parker
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