Clergy/Leaders' Mail-list No. 1-029 (Practical Christian Living)

THE NEED FOR GREAT FOLLOWERS

by Dick Innes

"Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret?" (1 Corinthians 12:29-30, NIV).

The obvious answer is, "Of course not!"

In "Daily Motivations for African-American Success", Dennis Kimbo writes about a young woman who wanted to go to college. But her heart sank when she read the application that asked, 'Are you a leader?'

"Being both honest and conscientious, she wrote 'no' and returned the application, expecting to be rejected.

"To her surprise, she received this reply from the college: 'Dear Applicant: A study of the application forms reveals that this year our college will have 1,452 new leaders. We are accepting you because we feel it is imperative that they have at least one follower!'"

True, the church today needs great leaders ... but of equal importance is the need for great followers and that each of us uses his/her God-given gifts for the good of all. We will each be rewarded, not according to the gifts we have been given, but according to our faithfulness in using what we have been given for the work and glory of God.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you for the gifting you have given to me. Please help me to dedicate this in loving service to you (no matter how small my gift may seem) and thereby help make my world a better place in which to live. Gratefully in Jesus' name. Amen."

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From 'Weekly Encounter' - Copyright (c) ACTS International, 2001.