"For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, so we who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another. We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us: . . ." Romans 12: 4-6
The lesson in this passage is also outlined in other passages in the Bible, and they basically state that all of us are called to fulfill different roles in God’s ministry and mission in this time and place, according to the grace given to us. Just as the human body has different parts that function and carry out their duties the body of Christ is the same way. We are all called and given different gifts to use in our various roles.
My two marriages are a good example of this. The written use of the English language is not one of my strongest suits. I have always been challenged in this, and the first class I took in college was Communications 101, a basic English course, which I failed and had to retake.
My late wife, Judy, however was really good in this area and helped me with my college papers and written correspondence afterward. Shirley is also very good in this, and has been a big help with my Seminary papers, sermons, and other publications. Thus these two have used their talents to help me in life and to fulfill my role as called by God. In the same manner I have helped both of them, and continue to help Shirley with skills that they didn’t have so that their ministries could be enhanced. Shirley, Judy, and I helped each other in our mutual ministries and in life with gifts that the other didn’t have.
Please be open to where you are being called, and listen for the discerning voice of the Holy Spirit, which daily offers guidance as to what is needed next in the body of Christ. God allows our skills and gifts to be used in areas that are needed and not being met by others in the community!
Prayer, Lord of all creation, help me to be open to my calling along this spiritual pilgrimage, and guide me to use my gifts for the building up of the body of Christ! Amen. Vernon T.
Copyright © 2015 Vernon T. Jones, All Rights Reserved
The lesson in this passage is also outlined in other passages in the Bible, and they basically state that all of us are called to fulfill different roles in God’s ministry and mission in this time and place, according to the grace given to us. Just as the human body has different parts that function and carry out their duties the body of Christ is the same way. We are all called and given different gifts to use in our various roles.
My two marriages are a good example of this. The written use of the English language is not one of my strongest suits. I have always been challenged in this, and the first class I took in college was Communications 101, a basic English course, which I failed and had to retake.
My late wife, Judy, however was really good in this area and helped me with my college papers and written correspondence afterward. Shirley is also very good in this, and has been a big help with my Seminary papers, sermons, and other publications. Thus these two have used their talents to help me in life and to fulfill my role as called by God. In the same manner I have helped both of them, and continue to help Shirley with skills that they didn’t have so that their ministries could be enhanced. Shirley, Judy, and I helped each other in our mutual ministries and in life with gifts that the other didn’t have.
Please be open to where you are being called, and listen for the discerning voice of the Holy Spirit, which daily offers guidance as to what is needed next in the body of Christ. God allows our skills and gifts to be used in areas that are needed and not being met by others in the community!
Prayer, Lord of all creation, help me to be open to my calling along this spiritual pilgrimage, and guide me to use my gifts for the building up of the body of Christ! Amen. Vernon T.
Copyright © 2015 Vernon T. Jones, All Rights Reserved
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