One question that intrigues me as a leader is, "How important is my contribution to the work of God?" In other words, if I don't choose to obey God or follow God, will that make any difference to what God is doing? If I stop doing what I'm doing, or if I don't take on the next challenge, will it really matter?

Over the next couple of weeks I want to biblically explore two answers to that question and the repercussions of each answer. The first is that my contribution is incredibly important and the second is that I am not important at all. Both I believe are correct answers, but I'm hoping by the end to understand how they fit together. We'll see.

1. Your role is absolutely pivotal

The whole biblical concept of stewardship means that God has given us certain resources and he expects us to use them. That's what the parable of the talents is about (Matt. 25:14-30). The guys were given talents (money) according to their abilities and the master expected them to use them. He got really cranky when one lazy bloke buried his. Oh the guy had plenty of excuses but they just didn't wash with the boss. It shows that God must think what you're doing (or not doing) is pretty important.

Then there is Paul's teaching about gifts. Everyone is gifted (1 Cor. 12:7-11) so everyone has a contribution. We don't have much of a say in our gifts, although there's nothing wrong with desiring (and praying for?) gifts (1 Cor. 14:1). But we do have complete responsibility to use our gifts. It's only as each person uses their gifts that the church grows fully (Eph. 4:16). So that means, your role is pivotal. Failure to use your gifts will mean that everyone suffers. Exercising your gifts means that everyone benefits.

For some reason, God has chosen to work through us. It's not that he has to, he just does. So to a certain degree God's hands are tied. He has made his choice and is sticking to it. We are his agents and he has no other plan. So if I pull back, or mess up, or cop out then God's work is set back. Not completely of course, but significantly.

This is the responsibility we live with, and the greater your leadership gifting, the more "talents" you have been given, the more God expects. Now of course God promises to love and support and empower you, so you're not by yourself in this, but don't think your role is insignificant. What you are doing cannot be done by anyone else. It's incredibly important in the big picture.

So give it your best shot. No excuses. Oh don't burn yourself out; God needs you for the long haul. But make the most of the opportunities that God is giving you. He's cheering you on because you really are making a difference.

If you find all of this too heavy, remember there is another installment.