You Are NOT Unimportant

One of the greatest things about the New Testament Church is God’s design for her. Tomorrow night I am teaching a lesson to our teenage class on the organization of the Church (PowerPoint will be on this blog Wednesday, as usual). We will discuss, in a brief way, the role of elders and deacons.

However, the point of the lesson is that the New Testament Church isn’t run by any one man, or any “board.” No, indeed! It is God’s Church; the Church of Christ! While that may rub some people the wrong way, it really should make each of us feel great.

Why?

Because God treats all people the same. He “is no respecter of persons.” God is proud, I think, when I live my life in such a way that I can be considered worthy of being an elder, deacon, preacher, Bible class teacher, song leader, or committee worker.

But God is just as pleased when I live my life for Him, serving Him in whatever capacity I can. The Church is described as “the body of Christ” (First Corinthians 12:12-31). We know from the Bible, but also from human experience, that every part of our body is important. Some may seem to be more important, such as the brain or the heart, but my body is not complete without every single cell functioning properly.

In just the same way, there may be some Christians who seem be more important, such as elders or preachers. We may look at them differently, but God sees each of us who are baptized believers as Christians. He sees each of us as important.

As I read the book of Acts, I am amazed at many things. Yes, I am amazed at the efforts of some outstanding men and women (Peter, Paul, Barnabas and others). But it is just as amazing to see the work and effort of individuals who are unnamed and seemingly in the background. Without their work and dedication, the church would have never grown in the First Century as it did.

The same is true today. You may not have your name in lights. You may not have a book written about you. But, without you and your effort, the Church will never grow as it should. You are important!

That’s uplifting news!