“For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office; so, we being many are one body in Christ, and everyone members one of another” (Romans 12:4-5).

Office: (Gr.): Praxis from Prasso: Practice, An Act or Function, Work

Office: (Gr.) Diakonia from Diakonos: Teacher, Pastor, Deacon/Deaconess

Going through the Scriptures there are many things that are not clearly evident to us that they may by extension apply to us directly; but upon further review become evident and require our attention. Such is the case in the matter of our office.

Under the Old Covenant there are many offices identified, such as the Office of the Priest, Prophet and King. Others that are mentioned are Midwife (Exodus 1:16); Levites who were Porters (I Chronicles 9:22); Bakers (I Chronicles 9:31); Scribes and Officers (II Chronicles24:11); Treasurers (Nehemiah 13:13), Singers and musicians (I Chronicles 15:16) along with numerous others.

Under the New Covenant there are also many offices, and we would do well to seek the Lord as to where we may fit in the Body of Christ. Such offices include Apostles, Prophets, Pastors, Evangelists and Teachers (Ephesian 4:11);

The Apostle Paul wrote in his Epistle to the Romans; “For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the Apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office (diakonia)” (Romans 12:4).

In his letter to the Corinthians Paul identifies these offices to which we may be called stating: “And God has set some in the Church, first Apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that (workers of) miracles, then gifts of healing, helps, governments, diversities of tongues” (I Corinthians 12:29).

All these identified gifts create an office for the recipient. To those selected gifts, the Epistles also include intercessors, care givers, attendants, all of which come under the broad category of helps. The Apostle mentions other offices with the gifts of hospitality (cf. Romans 12:13), exhorters, givers, administrators, mercy ministries (cf. Romans 12:8).

Search the Scriptures, seek the Lord for there is an office waiting for you in the Body of Christ. What is in your heart? There is an open door of ministry and an office to fill for you. The needs are great, but the laborers are few. The Lord is speaking to you right now to stand up, sign up, get committed, and schedule your time and then be faithful to your office.

In his first Epistle to Timothy, the Apostle specifically addresses the Office of the Bishop, stating: “This is a true saying, if a man desires the Office of a Bishop (Gr. Episkope), he desires a good work” (I Timothy 3:1). A Bishop is an overseer of other Pastors, Teachers and ministries. It is an office of honor and great responsibility. It is an office we need filled in the Body of Christ. Be open to your calling for this office and obey the Spirit of the Lord.

As the Apostle points out we all have not the same office, but with the variety of offices open in the Body of Christ, surely there is an office open and available for your calling and gifts. Seek the Lord today, be obedient to His call, and be faithful to the office to which you have been assigned. The grace of the Lord Jesus is sufficient in all things.

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