It had become mandatory to deal with a problem that had kept many Christians redundant, lukewarm or entirely idle. This is the mentality of thinking that strict Christ-likeness; the very ministry of Jesus; preaching, teaching, healing the sick, and so on is left to some special ministers only.
This is never the way the Lord intended it to be carried out. “Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.” (1Cor 12:27). As members of the body of Christ, none of us should be exempted in this wonderful stewardship privilege.
“And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.” (1Cor 12:28)
What are all these responsibilities about? “Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.” (1Cor 14:12)
Edifying the church is all about advancing God’s kingdom and His righteousness here on earth. And this task hangs around every believer’s neck!
We recall a typical example of how Jesus delegated the first disciples the preaching assignment in Matthew 10. “And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.” (verses 7,8).
These were not ‘ordained’ men of God. They were simply followers of Jesus; obedient to His invitation to abide by His teachings. So everyone should be fully occupied by the assignment given to us by our Lord Jesus Christ!
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