Growing up in my family we all had responsibilities. Take out the trash, do the dishes, set the table, feed the cat, etc… If everyone did their part the family was kept healthy (and my parents kept their sanity) but more than that we began to understand that we worked better together and we enjoyed each other. As I grew older my personality and gifts/talents became more evident. My roles and responsibilities began to change. I still did the dishes when they needed to be done, but I didn’t have to be asked. I also realized I was getting better at specialized things such as helping my dad replace cabinets, putting in a new sump pump, or installing a bathroom fan.
In God’s family it works the same way. We all have a role to play. If we diligently work together we find that the church grows, becomes healthy, and glorifies God. As we grow in our faith and understanding, we begin to find our specialties. We don’t neglect the other responsibilities but we begin to find responsibilities that only we can fulfill because of who God made us to be with our specific gifts and talents. Some might find that they are teachers, elders, small group leaders. Maybe you work best with youth, children, young families, or the elderly.
I find myself wondering, “what would it look like if everyone in the church took their role as a member of God’s family seriously. What if everyone chipped in and began to explore why God made them and called them into His family.” I find it almost freeing to know that God created me with purpose , and created me to be part of His family. I don’t have to be everything but I’m part of a family that is working together.
