So, I have tons to tell you. But I’m currently on a plane so I’ll wait until next week.

In the meantime, here’s the last of the personality posts. Sending you love and thanks – because you are my people – from a window seat somewhere over the Atlantic.

. . .

If we’ve aligned our destiny with Jesus Christ, then we’re called to serve as he did. To leverage all of ourselves for the sake of others, in all the ways we’ve been equipped to do so.

And yet the church is full of tired, disgruntled, disillusioned people who feel used – unappreciated – un-thanked. People who have been signed up – by others, or themselves – to commit, commit and overcommit to every possible committee. And then some. People whose self-induced martyrdom doesn’t actually attract anyone to the gospel. People who have somehow believed the lie that burn out and busyness equals godliness or success.

It’s crucial to realise that even Jesus didn’t do everything. He didn’t heal everyone. He didn’t preach everywhere. He did what he was uniquely led to do. He did it superbly, in season. When we stay close to God – when we read and repent, pray and position ourselves to listen – and when we lean into the thrill we feel at an opportunity to serve – then we end up energised by serving. Not burnt out.

And if you’re not sure what kind of ministry in the local church would suit your personality? Determine whether you favour high-risk or low-risk, people or projects, following or leading, teamwork or going solo, routine or variety. Steve Jobs used to ask people, ‘What makes your heart sing?’ What kind of thing are you excited about before, during and after the fact? Knowing this will help you wash the right feet, as you discover or create opportunities to serve in the church and elsewhere.

Erik Rees writes, ‘God gave you a unique personality. He did it intentionally as part of his process of creating the masterpiece of your life. Allow him, then, to help you understand your personality so you can bring him the greatest glory possible.’

Point to ponder

To glorify God and to be most effective in serving others through your personality, you need to prayerfully consider what you are uniquely called to do.

‘For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.’ Galatians 5:13

. . .

What ministry opportunities make you go, ‘Now that I could do.’?

Thanks so much for reading today. If you haven’t yet, feel free to sign up to have these posts delivered to your inbox every Monday, or follow me on Facebook or Twitter.

Oh and would you maybe put a reminder in your phone? About the release on 27 November 2014, DV, of Dragons and Dirt: The truth about changing the world and the courage it requires. Yippee.