One of my favorite memories growing up was sitting with my dad after dinner waiting for the next episode of Star Trek to begin.

I’m mostly a closet Trekkie, but the show appealed to my curiosity “to explore strange new worlds.” I love investigating the world around me, particularly how people relate to each other. This is one of the deep passions of my heart.

I didn’t realize it at the time, but Star Trek taught me much about relationships and how different gifts work together.

The Enterprise was one ship, on one mission, yet with many different members.

Whether the crew wore red, gold, or blue shirts, they all worked together to accomplish their common purpose. There was no one hero; everyone had a part to play.

A mission might come down to the art of diplomacy, a cunning military strategy, a medical breakthrough, or some brilliant engineering invention. There were times when the strong warrior spirit of Worf was needed, while at other times the softer empathic approach of Counselor Troi was called for.

Photo Credit: Amazon.com, The Best Of Star Trek The Next Generation"

Photo Credit: Amazon.com, “The Best Of Star Trek The Next Generation

As I watched the drama of each episode unfold, I was not only learning about relationships, roles, and authority, I was also learning what it looked like to have differing gifts in one body.

The unique passions and interest of each crewmember was used for the benefit of all.

God has also given us each different gifts and passions for doing certain things well (Romans 12:4-6), and this is for the building up of others (Ephesians 4:12).

We have a part to play in God’s larger story. However, knowing what this role is and how to live well in it can be difficult. As a counselor, my job is to help you figure this out.

I do this by creating a personal space for you, allowing you to retreat from the demands of others and thoughtfully attend to the priorities in your own life.

Sometimes well-meaning family and friends cannot provide the objective perspective we need, and not everyone is safe to share the private areas of our life with. Counseling provides this space, helping you to become your best and fulfill that vital role which is yours alone.

Relationship difficulties, sexual concerns, and spiritual worries often keep us from our best. Choosing the path of wisdom and seeking sound counsel helps us to overcome these struggles and move toward a fulfilling life.

God has prepared me to serve this role for others, helping them to fully embrace their gift and remove any hurdles keeping them from the passions God has written on their heart.

What is your role in God’s larger story? What are those things that you do well? What is holding you back from these passions? Are you willing to seek wise counsel to address these areas?

Are you willing to engage your passions and boldly go where no one has gone before?


Editor’s Note: Adapted from chapel session to the staff of a local ministry.

Dr. Corey Carlisle

Dr. Corey Carlisle

Licensed marriage and family therapist and certified sex therapist - providing Christian counseling and soul care to individuals and couples, with a special emphasis on developing the masculine soul. Suwanee, GA 30024

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