Issue 8 - Day 6

Romans 12

Romans 12:5-8

5. So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.
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;
7. Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;
8. Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

What is your job in the church? What is your gift, or gifts? The two biggest questions we ask ourselves, and others regarding the church is, what is it that I should be doing, and I am not able to do xyz, so how can I be of any use? Many churches run whole programmes dedicated to helping you discover your S.H.A.P.E., or recognising your gifts, and so on. Sadly the gifts most discovered in this way are the ability to run courses. God has a different way of looking at things.

We are one body. We cannot operate well without the input of others. Churches where the pastor does everything are as balances as a one legged man on a mono-cycle. We need every member to do there part. Some do teach, but some are blessed in being able to give. The teacher cannot teach without the support of the giver. Some organise, and others encourage. Without the encourager the organiser would have no-one to organise.

What are the most important roles in the church? Ministering (also known as helping others), exhortation (or as we usually say, encouragement) and mercy (usually known as a peace maker). These are key, and we need more of them.