By: Rev. J. Loren Russell
“And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;”
Ephesians 4:11 KJV
When the church was birthed and began to grow, workers were needed to serve in various roles. Not everyone was an apostle, or a prophet, or an evangelist, a pastor, or a teacher. Yet, every role was strategic for the good of the whole congregation. It is not much different in houses of worship or the world today. Every single gift must be used, every single talent must be cultivated, and every single role must be played. Although different, each singular gift, talent, or role contributes to the good of the whole. Paul emphasizes the collaborative way our individual gifts, talents and roles work together when he wrote, “For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.” (Romans 12:4-5 NKJV).
It would be terribly dysfunctional if every person were given the same gift, the same talent, and the same role. Nothing would get done and chaos would be the norm. But the infinite wisdom of the Lord gives different gifts, talents, roles, and responsibilities to each person. He then expects everyone to do their part and use their God-given abilities so that everything that needs to get done is completed.
The pandemic known as COVID 19 as well as the waves of senseless violence sweeping our nation because of systemic racism, makes it clear that life is fragile. In order to stop these deadly scourges, we need everybody using their gifts, developing their talents and doing their part. When people fail or refuse to do their part, they withhold the good that could have benefited the whole. Gifts, talents, and roles that were designed for the good of people go to the repository of the graveyard where they are lost forever.
Every man, every woman, and every child must do their part for the good of the whole. Whatever title you have, whatever influence you wield, whatever your ability, do your part to make this world a better place for everyone. Someone once said, “too many people in the church are singing ‘Standing on the Promises,’ when all they are really doing is sitting on the premises.” If there ever was a time for you, whatever gift, talent or role you have, to do your part, it’s now!
Be Blessed!
Rev. J. Loren Russell is President/CEO of The JLR Company for Church Financial Strategy & Consulting; an associate minister at both Goodwill and The Greater Universal Baptist Churches in the Bronx; creator & host of “Matters of Faith – The Radio Show” Mondays 8:00 – 10:00 PM on Facebook LIVE and author of Matters of Faith: The Book. eBook available at SmashWords.
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