A Cheerleader

I once heard a story about a church that was looking for a pastor.  When asked what they were looking for, the chairman of the search committee said that they only had two criteria.  They did not want a pastor who had studied Greek, and they did not want a pastor who had ever been to the Holy Land. 

            They had heard way too many explanations about the Greek in the New Testament, and way too many stories about the Holy Land. They were tired of it.  But seriously, those two criteria would not be the best way to choose a pastor.

            It is easy for any pastor (or any Sunday School teacher) to use too many stories or illustrations from an area they enjoy.  I could talk about sports for hours, and sometimes I probably do. I could talk about my family longer than most people would want to listen. The fact is that we all have things that interest us more than they do others. 

            The differences we have can cause division.  Perhaps you are not interested in hearing another story from me about something that deeply matters to me. And it may be that you think less of me because of what I deem important.  But I think about this.

            Do you suppose that God made us different, with different talents and interests, for a purpose?  Do you think that might be what Paul had in mind when he spoke of the variety of spiritual gifts that he mentioned in 1 Corinthians?  I do.

            One thing I believe about the church is this. God brings different people with different gifts together so that working together they might accomplish more.  We need people from every walk of life to cooperate, and to encourage one another in using those gifts and talents that God has given to us.

            What would happen if we became each other’s biggest cheerleaders instead of being jealous or overly protective of our own turf?  Do you think we could make a greater impact in our church…in our communities?  I think so, too.

            I don’t know what your gifts are. But I am confident of this. If you are a follower of Jesus Christ there is something you can do to strengthen your church, to help others, and to honor God.  Discover your gift (or gifts).  Use what God has given you to bless others and to worship Him.