(2 Tim 2:2 NNAS) The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.

In fact, there are professional ministers who have expressed the desire to trade places with us, who are in the "real world." For example, some people are more open to people like you and me, "ordinary Christians," than to pastors, whom they consider "lofty" or "unapproachable," or are afraid to admit their failings to. And our world of work, school etc. is a mission field.

God has given each of us gifts to use to build up His church.

(Rom 12:4-8 NNAS) For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, ⁵ so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. ⁶ Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; ⁷ if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching; ⁸ or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

If each of us don't do our part, there will be something missing in our church. Each of us is needed. Each of us is unique and irreplaceable in God's eyes.

In what areas has God gifted you? Are you using them to build up His church?

If you aren't sure, ask some wise Christian friends or leaders what they have observed in you, what your strengths are. After all, He gifted us in the Providence of His grand plan, for edifying His church, and not so our abilities would lie dormant! ; )

Dear Father, please help us to know our gifts and use them for Your purposes. Help us to see that we all have a part to play. In Jesus' name amen

Jan