It was not long before the Christian community began to have organisation and the division of labour. This should not be seen as dividing people into classes or putting some in an inferior status. No one person can do everything, and our achievements mean nothing unless they serve the goal of all Christians: spreading the Word and reconciling people to God. Everyone has an important role to play in the Christian community - no one is more valuable than another. We should cherish and value our gifts and contributions to the cause of Jesus Christ and not compare ourselves to others.

'Do not be afraid!' How often do we see those words in the Bible - from angels, prophets, and Jesus Himself. So often, we are afraid of change, being hurt somehow, losing those dear to us, or getting too close to God. Most of the things we are afraid of never happen - they exist only in our fearful minds! We should not be afraid of God, nor should we be afraid of the future or the unknown. God is in it all! We should also learn to be less fearful when God reveals Himself to us in strange and unusual ways - after all, everything is possible to God. In the end, it's all about love - in one of the letters, John insists that perfect love casts out fear. When we are ruled by fear, it is a reminder to start loving.

Lord, cleanse my heart of fear.