Page 30 - Contact Summer 2017
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DO NOT NEGLECT
Y OUR GIFT
1 TIMOTHY 4: 11-16
William Carey, often called the father of Since that is the clear teaching of the New
modern missions, was a shoe cobbler by trade Testament, it ought to be of great concern to
before he went to India. He kept a map of India every Christian to know how to fulfil the
in his shop, stopping every so often to study ministry God has entrusted to him or her.
and pray over it. Sometimes, because of his It seems that there are those who are
preaching ministry, his shoe business suffered. burning themselves out and others who have
One day a friend admonished him for yet to start their ministry. Some of our
neglecting his business. “Neglecting my members are not involved in any kind of
business?” said Carey, looking at him intently. ministry for the Lord.
“My business is to extend the Kingdom of God.
I only cobble shoes to pay expenses.” Ministry is a battle and who likes war?
The tendency of the flesh is to let someone else
No matter what your occupation, every do it, especially if it’s a hassle. Maybe you justify
Christian should have Carey’s mentality. My your lack of involvement by thinking, “I’m not
real business is to extend God’s kingdom. I just all that gifted anyway.” However, remember in
work to pay bills and expenses. In other words, the parable of the talents, it was the guy with
every Christian is in ministry. Ephesians 4: 11- only one talent who buried it that was rebuked
12 states that God gave to the church apostles, by his master because he didn’t use it to further
prophets, evangelists and pastor teachers for the master’s interests. If you know Christ as
the equipping of the saints for the service Saviour, you are called to serve him in some
(ministry) to the building up of the body of capacity.
Christ. Our Church’s job is to equip us to do
the work of ministry. If you are a Christian, In our text, Paul gives us a basic lesson of
then you are in the work of ministry. Some are Christian service that will enable us to fulfil our
supported so they can work full time in their God given ministries.
ministry. However, every Christian like William
Carey, should see their main business as I hope that all our members will find within all
serving God. our work, a place where they can use the gift
or gifts that God has given them. There are so
many areas in High Kirk where there is great
need and where you can get involved.
God bless,
George McIlroy
