We should always remember that everyone who belongs to Christ is being used by God as it pleases him. If we use carnal reasoning, we might, in effect, think that we can do a better job than God, and bring forth a unified organization along carnal lines rather than the unity of spirit (Ephesians 4:3) that should prevail among those who belong to Christ. Nevertheless, many have taken to forms of sectarianism and give devotion to this or that man, or group of men, to accept whatever such men may say as being true. -- 1 Corinthians 3:1-9.
Along this same line of reasoning, we may tend to reject a brother as being a Christian, based on some disagreement regarding a non-fundamental application of a scripture. Again, it is not up to us to judge whether this or that brother is of the body of Christ based on such disagreements of some application of scripture. At the same time, we should understand that God has given us various ones to help us eventually attain the unity of faith based on a knowledge of God's Son, so that the body of Christ becomes a full-grown man. -- Ephesians 4:11-13.
The phrase "as He desired" (or "as He willed") indicates that placements and gifts are not accidental or based on human merit, but are arranged by God’s deliberate wisdom and pleasure. This surely indicates a Divine supervision in the Church. And yet, we are also warned that there would arise false teachers who would lead believers into a gospel that is different from that taught by the apostles. All of this, however, still falls under God's divine supervision, for God allows such so that the faith of brothers may be tried, and that those of true faith may become manifest.
Holiness of life and completeness of dedication are two aspects of God's desire that are evidently the same for every member of Christ's body (1 Thessalonians 4:3; Hebrews 12:14,15). On the other hand, God's desire for each member of Christ's body to serve in the household of faith may differ greatly. Nevertheless, it is God, not ourselves or even other people, who must decide our place in the body of Christ. -- 1 Corinthians 12:18.
We may hold elections to choose elders and deacons, etc., but even this is overseen by God. He may allow us to choose a brother who is not qualified, or who turns out to be one who would lord it over the flock, demanding everything has to be as he says. This can usually be rectified, but sometimes it is not. Regardless, the fact that God may use a church to appoint such does not mean that the one appointed will be faithful in his assignment.
At times, a brother may be doing a work of preaching without having received any appointment from a church. This does not mean that God himself has not chosen him for the work he is doing. If his work is from God, it should be manifest in what he preaches as being in harmony with God's Word.
Related:
Daily Heavenly Manna for March 8 * BSM Aids * Video
The Present Ministry of the Saints
The Oneness of the Body of Christ
