"Recently I heard a sermon in which the preacher spoke of ministers and others who were over-zealous that their particular gifts be recognized and given place in the church. The preacher said that there was no need to worry about that; if anyone has gifts, and uses his opportunities to exercise these gifts, in due time the church will recognize them. The man need not make a place for his gifts to be employed; rather, the gifts themselves will make a place for him!
How true is this! A correct attitude for all who serve our sovereign Lord is just this: What I am is really not very important. What is important is that whatever Christ has given me I will make available to him to use where and when and how he chooses. Then I will have all the satisfaction I need, and more honor than I can safely cope with. This is especially true for those whom Christ has gifted and given 'for the perfecting of the saints, unto the work of the ministry, unto the edifying of the body of Christ'" (emphasis mine).
— Lawrence R. Eyres, The Elders of the Church, ch. 2, p. 13.
How true is this! A correct attitude for all who serve our sovereign Lord is just this: What I am is really not very important. What is important is that whatever Christ has given me I will make available to him to use where and when and how he chooses. Then I will have all the satisfaction I need, and more honor than I can safely cope with. This is especially true for those whom Christ has gifted and given 'for the perfecting of the saints, unto the work of the ministry, unto the edifying of the body of Christ'" (emphasis mine).
— Lawrence R. Eyres, The Elders of the Church, ch. 2, p. 13.
I'm finally linked. Veitch
ReplyDeleteThis is good stuff - calls to mind Jesus scolding those who would fight for the best seats at the party . . . we're so silly and brutish before Him when we hold up these gifts for all to see and demand an audience.
ReplyDeleteDPV,
ReplyDeleteSaw it, sir! ;-)
Blaine,
ReplyDeleteThe gifts given by Christ to those whom He has chosen to be elders and overseers of His flock are meant for the edification of the latter, to the glory of His Name.
Been meditating on Ephesians 4 regarding this matter.