Neville Turley
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. Suffering for Being a Christian. 1 Peter 4:10-11 (NIV)
None of us are here by accident. God has a plan and purpose for each and every one. The adage ‘God uses those he chooses’ is very true and binding on all Christians.
Towards the end of his ministry with the cross looming ahead, Jesus prayed for his disciples: “As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.” (John 17:18)
Accepting the Lord Jesus as Saviour is the only way to be redeemed from sin and obtain eternal life. By the grace of God, Christians have that priceless privilege and it is absolutely vital that they make others aware of the good news of God in Jesus Christ.
Every Christian is called to be a missionary. Some use their God-given gifts in a full time capacity, others use their gifts in personal witness or by their dedicated support of Church and mission-orientated organisations.
In South Africa we are blessed in that we have freedom of worship. We can, without fear of persecution, go about our missionary activities and in that way make known God’s great love for man. Many Christians do so by making God’s word available.
There are groups who walk, run, pedal and swim to raise funds for Bibles. Word Riders, a voluntary group of motorcyclists, year after year reach out to school children in disadvantaged communities with Bibles. Others who are not so physically active make God’s word available through the Bible Society’s Bible-a-month club.
All are co-workers with Christ as they sow the good seed of the gospel. They have the privilege and joy of being an integral part of the Great Commission and bring praise and honour to God.
May God help each of us to effectively use our gifts in his service.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for your goodness to us. May the Holy Spirit help us to fully dedicate ourselves to you and to a ministry of service that will grow your church. This we ask in Jesus name. Amen