Specialty can mean many different things. In preparation for the potluck dinner someone may say to a co-worker “chicken casserole is my specialty.” It will be up to the others attending the party to determine if that’s a true statement or not. But when it comes to chicken casseroles, the ranking system is fairly non-existent. However, other specialties are less subjective and therefore a claim to specialty in those arenas carries more weight.
One such arena is the medical profession. It wasn’t until the mid 19th century that doctors by and large began to specialize in a particular area of medicine. This specialization began in Paris and London and then made its ways to the United States. In part due to a greater knowledge of medicine and the inner workings of the human body, it became impossible for doctors to know everything about everything.
When I was younger my dream was to become a surgeon. I even used to read medical books. At one point I could name every bone in the body. I began to think about different types of doctors. My favorite specialty to learn about, purely because of the weird sounding name, was Otorhinolaryngologist. This is a doctor who specializes in treating conditions within the ear, nose and throat. I have a feeling that someone who needs a nose treatment might take issue with the “rhino” portion of the name. Nevertheless, if you have a persistent earache you may have to go see such a doctor.
Even if you’re not in the medical field, specialization is important in the fulfillment of your purpose. What is your specialty? In what area of influence are your gifts most useful? How does your uniqueness stand out in a world of conformity? In order to maximize your time and your talent you can’t afford to be a jack-of-all-trades and a master of none.
STARTING SPECIALTY
Before you fully come into who you will be, you may have to specialize in who you are. I’ve said before that most people aren’t born knowing their purpose. It takes time, trial and error. But don’t waste time waiting and wondering about who you were meant to be or what you’ve been created to do. Perfect your skills while in your current work. Those skills may be necessary in the future.
The majority of us don’t start at our dream job. We may start at entry level and work our way up or we may take that gained experience to the next company. However you start, make sure you don’t despise small beginnings and make sure you take notes on what problems exist. You may just find your specialty in providing the solution somewhere down the road.
SURPRISING SPECIALTY
Many people discover their specialty serendipitously. In other words, some don’t realize they have a knack for something until their team, ministry or organization needs someone to fill a need. By being willing and saying yes, they come to find they have a talent for something they simply never considered. Have you surprised yourself at how well you do something that you didn’t have the foresight to seek out?
I never sought to be an apologist, which is one who provides scientific, historical, archaeological and other non-Biblical evidence for Christianity. I happened to read a book that my mom had given me years prior – The Case For Christ – and it awoke something inside of me. As I went and sought training from many of the world’s experts in apologetics I realized that I had a propensity for developing and communicating the various evidences. This led to speaking at churches, schools and conferences. It has now led me to host my second Proof For The Truth Apologetics Conference! Feel free to register here.
SUCCESSFUL SPECIALTY
Successful specialization is when you become the one that people go to whenever they need your specialty. John Maxwell isn’t the only leadership expert but he’s entrenched himself so deeply in that world and written so extensively on that topic that anyone in leadership can’t help but look to him at some point. Ravi Zacharias isn’t the only expert apologist but most people who have an interest in apologetics have heard of and listened to him at some point.
Success looks different for every one of us. In order to achieve success and remain successful will require constant and consistent training and learning in a particular area of specialty. Rory Vaden said, “Success is never owned; it is rented, and the rent is due every day!” We can never rest on our laurels of being perceived as the expert. There is always more to know. The people served in fulfillment of your purpose need you to grow in your specialty every day.
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