Do you come to me to improve your life? Do you want an improved version of your current life, or a really new and different life? I told my followers that the gentiles sought after things to eat and drink and wear. That list is greatly expanded today but the underlying principle is the same. Would you be content with higher quality versions of provision and health? But the life I offer you is not a better version of what you have. It is new in every way. It is a life in my Kingdom that is not of this world. Don’t be content with better stuff. Seek first my Kingdom which is transcendent and divine, and you will have it. 

Do you believe in playing it safe? Does that mean that the best alternative is inaction when you are faced with risk and uncertainty? Sometimes you should move forward even when the view ahead is not entirely clear. Consider the parable of the talents. The servants who used their own initiative to multiply their talents were commended. Note that the master gave them no direction in how to proceed. Note also that the story did not end well for the wicked and slothful servant who hid his talent in the earth. I will give you direction in how to multiply your talents for me. Inaction is not the right answer. 

Some doors are open, some are closed, and some are locked. Some have automatic openers. These provide the greatest convenience in that you don’t even have to push on them or turn a doorknob. Do you believe that I can provide guidance to you by opening and closing doors? I will make your way clear by opening the right pathway and closing the wrong one. Yet as in the case of doors with automatic openers, they don’t open until you approach them. If you would receive guidance from me you need to be active and keep moving. I may wait until you walk toward the right door to open it for you. 

My word identifies evangelists and teachers as specific offices. Yet my commission to every believer is to preach the good news of the gospel to every creature and to make disciples of all men. Do you need an office or a title to do this? If that were the case I would not have directed this to every believer. It is not necessary for you to be able to answer every question of theology for you to do this job effectively. You understand the value of increasing your knowledge and experience, but in the moment you use what you have. I have not left you to do this on your own. The Holy Spirit goes before you to make your words effective in declaring my name.