Make Room

(Proverbs 18:16 KJV)  A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.

Let’s turn this around a little.  We are all on board when we feel people should allow us a place at the table.  We believe we should be allowed to use our gifts and abilities and others should not hinder us.  Now, what about when we are the established ones and someone else comes along that has a spiritual gift and wants to use it?

One of the reasons that churches stay small is because they have a hard time accepting new people and allowing them a place to contribute.  It is not the only reason.  Often it is the person who leaves who is the problem.  But we all know what it is like to visit a church and either be ignored, or greeted warmly once or twice and then ignored. 

We need to be discerning and not put new Christians or frauds in positions of leadership but at the same time there is a great need for us to be open to allowing new blood in. 

So?  Think about it.  Look at your church.  Has someone ever sat in “your” seat and you feel a mild sense of violation?  Imagine if they have the gifts that might put them on the board.