"I am speaking the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit— that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh." -- Romans 9:1-2

What makes a Paul? Why does God use one believer far more than another? How does one leave a greater impact than anyone else in ministry? These are all very interesting questions, and they are quite difficult to really answer. But, maybe... just maybe, we are looking at the answer in the above passage.

I do believe that the person who gives his or her very heart and soul for others to know Christ is the most effective in ministry. As John Piper put it in a recent book title, "Brothers, We Are Not Professionals". Ours is not a business, but a labor of love. God uses those who are willing to lose everything for the sake of Christ and lost souls.

How about you my friend? Why do you serve the Lord? And how important are those that you are seeking to reach for Him? Never count the cost, just give it your all and the Lord will use you in great and mighty ways.