Ephesians 4:11-12 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

We are not tools. When I thought to compare computer accessories with people it stuck me that there are similarities of devices we call plug & play and people. It isn’t a fair comparison. Plug & Play devices are built to perform one way and without any concern to the type of computer being plug into. They have their own software and need nothing but a connection to function.

People on the other hand do not come into a church fully ready to get plugged into a role at church and just operate independent of other people. It is true that Christians move around the country because of jobs or family. We will bring with us experience and training from our past. Being equipped does not mean we will fit.

We are not tools. How God used us in the past is helpful but does not discard the possibility that God might want to use you in a new way. Growing in Christ isn’t a career path. Ephesians 4:11 lists a number of service positions within a church organization. We tend to look at these positions as career opportunities and in doing so fail to look at the significance of the more vital issue of verse 12, the edification of the body of Christ.

I came into my new church after moving from one town to another. I came ready to plug & play. It became obvious that there was no place for me to plug in. My training and gifting was not in play. As it turned out as I got plugged in to the available spot, I discovered I was lacking in that which was not exercised. My weaknesses were exposed and I have become stronger all around because I did not insist on my strengths being used at this church.

We are not tools, fit to be used in only one way.