“I’m very clear about what my role and purpose is,” Oprah Winfrey once told an interviewer. “I am the messenger to deliver the message of redemption, of hope, of forgiveness, of gratitude, of evolving people to the best of themselves.” Often described as the high priestess of religion-less spirituality, Oprah could resemble a preacher on her TV show. To many members of her audience, Oprah’s thoughts on life, love, and fulfillment were tantamount to revelation.

Everyone has a “priest” of some kind. It might be a talk-show host like Oprah, who dished out inspiration, or a favorite author or a wise friend. Psychotherapists have assumed the role of priest for many—listening to our stories of guilt and anxiety and offering remedies for healing.

When a secular world rejects Jesus and the church, it doesn’t forgo spiritual direction—it simply seeks it elsewhere. Spiritual beings need spiritual leaders.

When God founded Israel, He saw fit to establish a priesthood that would mediate His voice and forgiveness to the people (Exodus 29:44-46; Leviticus 9:7; Numbers 3:5- 9). Jesus came to earth as the ultimate priest (Hebrews 2:17, 4:14-16), mediating God’s voice and forgiveness to us (John 14:10; Hebrews 9:15). And when Jesus sends us forth, He sends us as priests (1 Peter 2:5) to speak God’s words and extend His forgiveness (1 Peter 4:11; 2 Corinthians 5:20).

Just think about that. People are searching for spiritual guides, and you and I are sent forth as priests. We don’t need robes or collars, just holiness and humility (1 Peter 2:11; 5:5). We don’t need degrees and ordination, just gentleness and preparation (1 Peter 3:15) and knowledge of God’s Word.

You are a priest, God’s very own possession, enabled to “show others the goodness of God” (1 Peter 2:9). Go for it! Many a life has changed over a coffee table chat with a Spirit-filled friend.

NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: John 14:15-31