Before eternity, there are only two positions: born again or spiritually dead. Once saved, we are all equal in the sight of God. There are no levels between Christians. We are all loved equally, and we all have the same responsibilities.

God has given each of His children gifts and talents for the edification of each one. We all have something to contribute to the Body of Christ, and we also draw support from it in our weaknesses. A pastor is no more important than a worship leader, and an evangelist is no more important than a deacon. Together we help establish and grow the Kingdom of God on Earth. And no one is called to warm the pews in churches. We all have a calling, a specific task to do, for the advancement of God’s reign here on earth.

Now, if we are all of equal importance in the sight of God. That means we are all equal in terms of devotion. We cannot afford some sins because we are not the pastor of the church. “Well, I’m just the sound technician, nobody’s going to know I’m watching pornography at home!” Even those who served at tables in the early church were filled with the Spirit of God (Acts 6:1-5). To be filled with the Spirit of God, one must be sanctified, have an attentive ear to the voice of God, and therefore move away from sin.

The Christian life does not have different levels of devotion. When we give our lives to God, we forsake sin and enter into the reign of grace. “Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts” (Romans 6:11-12 KJV). There is no half-measure in Christ, no matter where we stand in the Church.

Of course, the Bible asks us to respect our authorities: their work is indeed rather demanding, and we must recognize it and honor them. But that does not mean that they are more important in the sight of God and that they must submit to higher demands. Yes, deacons must be married to one wife and know how to run their homes well (1 Timothy 3:12), but that does not mean that other church members do not need to do the same and that they can live in adultery without consequence! When we have a position in front of others, we need to lead by example, to uplift each other. But all of God’s children have the same standards of holiness to uphold, regardless of their role. Their life may not be seen by everyone, but it will certainly be seen by God and by those around them.

Single, in God’s sight, you can’t say, “I don’t intend to marry a pastor, so… meh!” Our Heavenly Father makes no exception. He loves us all as much, and He has delivered us all from sin. We are all His ambassadors, and we all have the same responsibility in terms of commitment, devotion, and sanctification.

Just because you are in a hidden ministry at your church doesn’t mean God cherishes you less. Even if you are ashamed of your past, God still has plans for happiness for your future. He loves you no less than the one who has a pure path. God loves the divorced woman in the back of the church as much as the pastor who preaches from the pulpit. We are all equal in His heart, and we are all useful to His work.