We are all valuable

Reflections In Prayer

Celta Kirkland

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

EPHESIANS 4:11-12: "It was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists and some to be pastors and teachers to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up" (NIV). This passage of scripture reminds me of the account in the gospel of John where Jesus was invited to dinner at the house of Lazarus, Mary and Martha who were siblings and all loved Jesus. The scene describes Lazarus telling his testimony of being brought back from death to life. Martha was busy preparing and serving the meal and Mary was displaying her adoration of Jesus by anointing His feet with expensive perfume.

They all were in essence worshipping God using their different gifts. Today we have various gifts operating among the body of Christ, some may be more visible than others but they all have equal value. There are still Marys, Marthas and Lazaruses with us. We just need to recognise and appreciate their contributions so that we all may benefit and be built up by their well-needed gifts. The lesson to be learnt, however, is to employ balance so that our good is not evil spoken of. The Marthas among us need to realise that the "mission" is never more important than the Master Himself. The Marys among us need to realise that service is worship too. We need also to realise that the Lazaruses among us are our evangelists who have a powerful testimony which serves to draw others by faith to Jesus Christ.

Many of us spend a lifetime and never function in our gifts simply because we keep looking at someone else trying desperately to copy his gift, thereby missing our own gifts. A very common myth is that a gift must appear spiritual. The truth is that we simply need to do those things that we enjoy and excel in. We may be gifted in areas of hospitality, faith, encouragement, etc. These gifts may not appear sensational but they are all equally valuable to the entire body.

Eternal Father, we thank You for Your marvellous gifts to keep the body of Christ built up and sufficient in all that pertains to life and godliness. Help us to appreciate and love each other so that Your kingdom may be established here in this nation for Your glory and honour.

In Jesus' name,

Amen.

celtakirk@yahoo.com

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COMMENTS (1)

owen lloyd
3/19/2010

This book called the bible. Why is it so powerful? To the average mind it is the power of God. If you examine further you will find that it is just a creative book of literature. Examine carefully the following. The person whote wrote the book of Genesis, "in the begining", how do they know what took place in the begiining since they were not there. Is this a fabricated story or the biggest lie ever pepretrated on mankind. If you say that it was divine inspiration, then the holy spirit should have guide the writer of Genesis into the truth. If you read Gen 1, you will see that the sequence of creation is all messed up. Plants were created before the sun. In high school we learned that plants cannot survive without the sun. Without the sun, all things on earth would freeze instantly. Just an observation.

Did you watch American football's Super Bowl on Sunday?
	Yes, but just for the advertisements
	Yes, just for the game itself
	Yes, for both the game and advertisements
	No, I did not watch the Super Bowl.

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