There Is Something for All of Us to Do

Today, I watched as several elders, deacons, and deaconesses were ordained for service. It was a beautiful and sacred moment, people publicly accepting the responsibility to serve God and His church. But something the speaker said stayed with me: You do not have to hold a title or an office to lead or to do the work of God.

I thought about that for a while. Sometimes we associate ministry with a title. We may think the work belongs to the pastor, elders, deacons, deaconesses, or those who stand before the congregation. But God’s work is much bigger than what happens from the pulpit.

Some of the most meaningful ministry takes place quietly, in a telephone call, a meal prepared for someone who is struggling, a prayer offered with a hurting person, or a word of encouragement given at just the right time. There is something for all of us to do.

First Timothy 3 describes the character expected of church leaders. Paul speaks about faithfulness, self-control, honesty, gentleness, and spiritual maturity. As I read those qualities, I realize they should not belong only to ordained leaders. They reflect the kind of lives all of us should desire to live. God cares about who we are while we serve, not only about what we do. Our gifts may bring us before people, but our character should always point them toward Jesus.

That thought causes me to examine my own life. Am I following God’s will, or only doing what feels comfortable? Is there something He has placed in my hands that I have allowed to remain unused? Am I waiting for a title or an invitation before I begin?

In Matthew 25, Jesus told a story about a man who entrusted talents to three servants before leaving on a journey. Two servants put what they had received to work, but the third servant buried his talent in the ground. The talents in this story were sums of money, but the message makes me think about everything God places into our hands, our abilities, experiences, resources, opportunities, and even the lessons we have learned through difficult seasons.

What has God placed in your hands that you may be overlooking? Perhaps your gift is listening without judging. Maybe you know how to organize, teach, cook, encourage, pray, mentor, or notice the person standing alone. Your gift may never place you before a crowd, but that does not make it insignificant. Something that feels ordinary in your hands can become a beautiful expression of God’s grace when you offer it back to Him.

As I watched those leaders being ordained, I quietly asked myself, “Lord, show me what You would have me do.” I do not want to leave what He has given me buried beneath fear, hesitation, or the belief that someone else is better qualified.

There is room for each of us in God’s work. We may not all be called to the same office, but each of us has been entrusted with something that can be used for His glory. We do not need a title to encourage someone, pray with someone, share what we have learned, or offer our hands in service.

Perhaps the real question is not, “Do I have anything to offer?” but, “Am I willing to place what I have into God’s hands?” There is still much work to be done, but God is not asking one person to do everything. He is asking each of us to be faithful with our own portion. What may seem small in our hands can accomplish more than we imagine when it is surrendered to God.

Pearl's Prayer:

Lord, show me what You have placed in my hands and give me the courage to use it. Shape my character as You develop my gifts. Help me serve with humility, faithfulness, and love so that everything I do points others toward Jesus. Amen.

I am The Vessel, God Is The Grace