God’s Assignments Have Worth

This three-part series looks at what the Bible has to say about placing people on your team or joining a team yourself.

In the previous article we saw in Ephesians 4:12, that God graciously provided an explanation for the roles on His “Most Needed” List: “for the equipping of the saints, for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.”  Each role strengthens the body.

Our performance-driven culture can lead any organization to create a ranking order of importance or value for roles … unless you intentionally choose otherwise.

If team members believe (even unconsciously) that some positions have more value than others, the ministry itself — let alone relationships on the team — can suffer.

On the other hand, if each person considers each position to have intrinsic value to the mission, members are more apt to value each other and the strengths each one brings to the ministry.

Positions in the Body: What’s Their Worth?

Ephesians 4:11 says,  “It was he [Christ] who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers.”

At first glance, it might look like God has placed these in order of importance or value.

Look a little more closely at the word “gave” in Ephesians 4:11. The Greek verb, didoomi, appears 415 times in the New Testament in various forms. Each form of the verb has a slightly different meaning – meanings that may not surface in the simpler English translation.

The verb used here does not stand alone. It is defined by the object that follows it. In this case, it is specifically linked with nouns denoting strength, worth, or virtue.

How Does He Assign Positions?

Further, God confers these positions in a particular manner and with a specific approach. The verb “gave” (didoomi) is translated directly as “bestow,” such as when a monarch bestows a title elevating an individual to aristocracy or a university president bestows degrees. Jesus bestows positions with dignity, honor, and purpose. His respect demonstrates how valuable each one is.

God is purposeful in His design. Each position on His list is needed – but also significant. And, as each part does its work we see the body grow and build itself up in love. (Ephesians 4:16)

What a powerful way to look at each of the assignments on a team! If the God of the universe thinks position A, B, and C each fill roles that are of immense worth … well, shouldn’t our attitude be the same?

A position (no matter what it may be) is not just a job. Moreover, it is not just a needed job. To God, it is indispensable.

Read the rest of the series:
Position Series, Part 1: God’s Most-Needed List
Position Series, Part 3: God’s Appointments Are “A Good Fit”