And that same Christ gave these gifts to people: He made some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to go and tell the Good News, and some to care for and teach God’s people. Christ gave these gifts to prepare God’s holy people for the work of serving, to make the body of Christ stronger.
Ephesians 4:11-12 ERV
It does me good to read my job description from time to time. By the grace of God, I have been able to serve as a pastor and teacher for many years. I love it, even though I feel hopelessly inadequate most of the time. My job is to prepare people to serve the Lord and His Church. Period. Some translations say perfect, some equip, some train, some prepare. You get the idea. I take that to mean that people who come to church should leave better able to do whatever they are called to do in service to others.
When I’m sitting in a service, I’m receiving from one of the gifts that God has placed there. I am being prepared, trained, and equipped. I’m not there to be entertained. I’m not there to critique the minister. One of God’s gifts to me is bestowing something that will help me be better. I want to hear it, understand it, receive it, and then do it.
If you’re preaching today, remember the job description. If you’re receiving today, open your ears to hear and be prepared. If we adopt these attitudes, the body of Christ will be stronger, and that’s a wonderful thing.
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