What does it mean to be put in charge? Do you believe it means the person in charge can boss everyone around? Can they set their own rules? Are they allowed to rule with an iron fist? Do you know some who act in this way? What does it mean for the people of God?
Many of us have experienced working for a boss who rules with an iron fist. They make the rules and enforce them without mercy. They believe they have the power, and they are to execute it without regard for others. When we work for someone like this, we do not like it.
As the people of God, we are not to take charge in such a way. We are to govern with a humble heart. A pastor, preacher, or priest is to understand they are put in charge of God’s belongings. They are to act one God’s behalf. That means to act as God would, in a loving way. As part of their service, they are to offer gifts and sacrifices.
What gifts and sacrifices? They are to offer the gifts God has blessed them with back to God. They are to offer their gifts to serve God’s people with what God has blessed them with. Their sacrifices are their time, energy, sleepless nights, a heart that breaks for the people, and through that they ask God to forgive their sins and the sins of the people.
Though this is put on the shoulders of the pastor, preacher, or priest, every member of the body of Christ is considered a priest (1 Peter 2:9). Each member should offer their gifts and sacrifices for themselves and others. If each person is doing so, each member is being prayed for multiple times. Each of us could benefit from the prayer of others.
I pray we all give our gifts to God. I pray we offer him the sacrifice of our time and energy. I pray each one of us will experience broken hearts for those who are hurting and pray over them. Give gifts to God. Sacrifice your time to God. Sacrifice your energy to God. Be brokenhearted for others. Pray over others.
Hebrews 5:1 Every high priest chosen from among mortals is put in charge of things pertaining to God on their behalf, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins.
Marty Pressey 