Yesterday I posed the question “What is Your Mission?” As we continue to consider this today, I direct you to these words:

Ephesians 4:11-16 It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

Note how it ends: each part does its work. Different parts of the body need to do their part. That is what it means to mature as a disciple. Each part needs to do its work.

Jesus gave His followers as Mission Statement at the end of Matthew:

 Matthew 28:19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit

 What is your part in this mission? In any group of believers, there are those who step up and take leadership roles. There are others who serve faithfully as teachers and helpers. All of you have a part in this mission.

As you try to determine your part in this mission, consider how God has blessed you. Some of you are able to give more financially than others. God does not ask you to give what you don’t have. He does want you to use what He has given you for His Kingdom. Some of you have special skills that you could offer. Some are able to give more of your time.

A a recent Lutheran Women in Mission event where my wife was speaking, one of the ladies stood up and said, “There are things we can do that men cannot do. And there are things the men can do that we can’t.”  She understood that EACH PART needs to do its work. You need to do your part when it is your time to do your part.

Be a person who takes to heart the message of forgiveness and life you have for Jesus’ sake. Be a person who responds to that message in your living. What it boils down to is giving of yourself because Christ has given to you. With the whole body working together, you will grow and build each other up in love, as each part does its work.