“10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 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.” NIV

We believe in ‘the priesthood of all believers’ – in every member ministry. We have believed it for years, and sought to practice it, however imperfectly. But in a time as disruptive as this we have to visit the truth afresh. Again, let’s try to avoid asking, ‘When can we get back to how things were?’ Instead, we ask, ‘What does this make possible?’

Nothing has altered the fact that you have God-given gifts to be used for the strengthening of His church and the glorifying of His Name. (Two are mentioned here as examples, but there are many others). You may not be able to use them in exactly the same way you used to, but you can still use them. Ask God to show you how, and where and when. Give it some thought. Take time to reflect and assess.

Somebody made the observation, ‘If I were walking by a lake and I saw a child drowning, and if I were to jump in to rescue the infant, it would be foolish to ask afterwards which part of my body was most needed in the rescue. All my body would be needed.’

That truth holds good. We need the whole body of Christ to get the job done, and you have your own special part to play. That is as true today as it ever was.

Whatever gifts we have received, we are to use them in God’s strength and for His glory.

‘’That way, God’s bright presence will be evident in everything through Jesus, and he’ll get all the credit as the One mighty in everything—encores to the end of time. Oh, yes!’’ The Message.