God has given each of us the talent, ability, and the opportunity to serve other people. When we use what God has provided us to help others, we become ministers for Christ. It’s surprising how many Christians do not consider themselves ministers. Minister is a term we have used only to describe the pastor or staff of a church, but God has called each of us to be a minister. (2 Timothy 1:9 He has saved us and called us to a holy life, not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time.) Why did God save us? So he could use us. God wants you to use your talents and gifts to help other people. You can minister to others in a sales office, as a Walmart employee, as a neighbor, as a car salesperson, as a school teacher, as a truck driver, as a computer expert, as a doctor, as a retired individual, as a friend, in a small group, etc. Every time you use the ability God gave you to get through this life to help someone else get through this life you are ministering. Ministry is helping other people. God says you’re necessary in the church. You’re an essential part of his family. Look at it this way: If I don’t use my talents, you get cheated. If you don’t use your talents, I get cheated. And either way, everybody else in the Body of Christ gets cheated. We’re all important! We’re all needed to do our part as we fit together. Pastor Don [image: image.png]