No Extra Parts: Clearly Seeing Your Part and Purpose in God's Plan

By Clayton Baird

Have you ever put together a child's toy? How about a piece of furniture? The box never comes with any extra parts. Every part that's present serves a purpose in achieving the desired outcome. The same is true for every person in the plans of God. There are no "extra" people—no spare individuals that God is unsure of how to use.

In No Extra Parts, you'll discover the purpose you have in God's plan, while uncovering lies about your value, identity, and the extraordinary call that God has on your life. It's time to walk in your purpose while silencing every voice that has convinced you that you're not needed. You're not an extra part – there are none.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Feb 24, 2024
• ISBN: 9798350932607

Book preview

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THE BOOK

Have you ever put together a child’s toy? How about a piece of furniture? The box never comes with any extra parts. Every part that’s present serves a purpose in achieving the desired outcome. The same is true for every person in the plans of God. There are no extra people—no spare individuals that God is unsure of how to use.

In No Extra Parts, you’ll discover the purpose you have in God’s plan, while uncovering lies about your value, identity, and the extraordinary call that God has on your life. It’s time to walk in your purpose while silencing every voice that has convinced you that you’re not needed. You’re not an extra part – there are none.

THE AUTHOR

Clayton Baird is the lead teaching pastor at Legacy House in Saint Johns, Florida, as well as a dynamic communicator and author with a passion to inspire people from all walks of life through God’s word. Clayton loves traveling the globe speaking about Jesus, encouraging people, and building the Church. He and his wife, Bethany, have been married sixteen years and have two sons – Jude and Croix.

PRAISE FOR NO EXTRA PARTS

Most of us in the Church have heard the phrase, The Priesthood of the Believer. The phrase essentially states that every person reconciled to God through Jesus Christ has a direct line to God. This is a part of the Good News which comes to us through redemption. I say part because the ancillary point is that every person has a purpose IN God. This purpose is unique and intentional by the Creator Himself. In my son’s newest book, Clay explores the essence of that reality from a millennial’s perspective. If, like me, you are from a previous generation and think you have heard or read everything there is to say about God’s purpose, then you will be delightfully surprised. The perspective, angle, and revelation this book contains can change the lives of any generation. Obviously, as Clay’s dad, I am proud of his publishing accomplishment. As a fellow pastor, I am happily stating that you will be spiritually enlarged by what he offers within its pages.

Kevin R. Baird, D.Min.

Director of Pastoral Ministries

Florida Family Policy Council

Clay has been such a trustworthy friend since 2007. He possesses a wonderful ability to explain profound truths in an easy-to-understand manner. Thorough, thoughtful, and timely. As I read it, my mind was challenged, my heart was warmed, my faith was strengthened, my hands were equipped, and my focus was sharpened on God’s purpose for me. Clay wonderfully encourages us to listen for God’s voice and then respond and obey. This is a book of great encouragement and helpful insights into the arena of God’s purpose in our daily living!

Craig Mosgrove

Pastor - Dwelling Place Church

Have you ever felt that your profession, talents, or life are purposeless to God? Perhaps like me you’ve thought that you don’t play a part in God’s plan because everyone around you is more gifted or called than you are. In No Extra Parts, Clayton Baird provides an eye-opening and motivating perspective that will help you see your purpose and the part you play in this life. This book will help you discover why God placed you on this earth today. As an entrepreneur, this was a breath of fresh air that reminded me that what I’m doing is ultimately for God and although I’m not in full-time ministry, I still have a part to play in furthering the Kingdom of God.

Alex Sanfilippo

Founder of PodPros.com

In a world where purpose is a moving target and lack of vision leaves many directionless, Clay breathes fresh life and insight into our understanding of life’s ultimate purpose. My faith was encouraged as I was reminded that it’s about who not what we are connected to that aligns us to our true purpose. No Extra Parts is destined to strengthen current believers and prepare the next generation of Christ followers to walk in faith and contentment, not comparison and competition. 

Carlos Serrano

Senior Pastor – Legacy Church

I have personally witnessed the magnificent way Clayton has helped individuals discover their God-given purpose. For as long as I’ve known him, he has lived this message and has helped others do the same. Whether young or old, Clayton’s words will encourage and equip you to take hold of your unique design. Each person was born with a vital part to play in God’s unfolding story. As Clayton reminds us in this book, it’s never too late to begin your purpose-filled journey. This book will help you on your way. 

Micah Massey 

Grammy Award-winning Songwriter

Worship Pastor - New Life Church

I love this book, No Extra Parts. A relevant, significant title for society today! A book geared toward helping all of us realize the importance and significance of our lives amid an overly distracting world. This book will encourage us all to play our part, understand our worth, whilst equipping us to act courageously to help bring heaven to earth.

Andy Uprichard

Vice President of CES Inc.

As a co-creator with Clayton Baird and Peter Dearing of a young church in Florida, I love the message ringing true in the first sentences: God undeniably creates each of us with purpose. Clayton makes it so clear how the purpose was written before we were born—but the process of uncovering our gifts and how we fit perfectly into the Father’s plans continues throughout the seasons of our lives. Thank God our purpose never runs out of time.

Kent Justice

Award-winning Journalist

Associate Pastor – Legacy House

In a generation where purpose has become ubiquitous, identity fluid, and value unrecognized, this message of purpose and intentionality from our Creator is NEEDED! Clay has such a wonderful viewpoint of the uniqueness that God breathed into each of us. Not only is this book a reminder of God’s fingerprints on our lives, it’s a call to see yourself as you truly are: to see yourself the way God sees you, and to walk in that value and purpose!

Christian Aranza

Senior Pastor – Valley Rise Church

Clay is one of the most brilliant minds and communicators we have in this generation. His ability to share rich revelation with uniqueness and clarity is second to none. I’m confident that as you read No Extra Parts you will see through fresh eyes how integral your part is in God’s redemption plan for humanity.

Layton Germann

Motion Students Pastor – Church of the Highlands

In a culture searching for identity and grasping at truth, No Extra Parts brings a brilliant and necessary message that speaks value and purpose over the body of Christ. Any leader or Christ follower who reads this book will find an anchor for their soul in these pages. Thank you, Clayton, for being a clear voice in a confused world.

Brandon Stewart

Executive Director | Leadership Coach

LeadingSecond.com

In our disorderly and unsettled world, it’s sometimes difficult to understand how we can live in God’s purpose. Whatever your case, during the distress, confusion, apprehension, and distractions of this present world, all of us can benefit from the firm confidence that God is indeed working out His plans in our lives. God has entrusted a unique and powerful gift to Pastor Clayton to understand and effectively communicate what it means to walk in purpose and be a part of God’s plan. Pastor Clayton is magnificent in this book as he breaks down what’s needed to be fully living in God’s will. 

Cecil Shorts III

Former NFL Player Veteran

Clayton has an incredible gift for communicating biblical principals in an insightful and accessible way for the reader. His words are inviting, and the message of this book is a clear invitation to move beyond simply knowing Jesus but also to accept the invitation to find our place in the plan of God. This is a book that you will want to read and then reread again— some truths are just that good!

Dr. Charlie Dawes 

Lead Pastor of Hill City Church 

Author of Simple Prayer

In No Extra Parts, Clayton Baird makes use of his most excellent gift as a teacher of the Bible to address the truth about God’s design for each of us––his beloved daughters and sons. It goes beyond fortune-cookie Christianity––one that promises us a Jesus that will give us everything we want in exchange for our nominal obedience. Instead, Clayton takes us into the rich and plentiful waters of biblical truth, but with accessible teaching and illuminating story, so that we keep our heads above the water. I’ve been blessed through No Extra Parts and heartily recommend it in the hope that you will be, too.

Dr. Todd Korpi

Missiologist and author of The Life-Giving Spirit

No Extra Parts is an incredible writing of God’s truths for humanity when it comes to our design and purpose in this life. Clayton unfolds the power of knowing who we are in Christ and the beautiful course He has laid out for everyone. It will encourage you, transform your mind, and strengthen you to continue to walk in all that God has for you.

JP Troglio

Lead Pastor – Oasis Church Chicago

In No Extra Parts, Clayton unfolds the beauty of God’s purpose for this world while compelling us into action. Clayton reminds us that we have a part to play in God’s plan for humanity and not one of us is an afterthought in the Body of Christ. In this compelling book laced with biblical truths we are reminded that God’s purposes prevail and nothing and no one can separate us from the distinct part that we have been invited to play in it. You have purpose, I have purpose, and together we are a beautiful picture of God’s handiwork on display.

Tara Korpi

Pastor

Clayton is one of my favorite pastors to listen to. He is a passionate speaker with a lot of Bible knowledge and wisdom. All of this you can see in his first published book, No Extra Parts. You will be strengthened in your walk with God and encouraged to discover your part and purpose in God’s plan.

Jared Wolfe

PGA Tour Professional Golfer

What is my purpose? Do I have significance? In No Extra Parts, Pastor Clayton clearly demonstrates through scripture how valuable and powerful we are in playing a part in advancing Christ’s Kingdom. Each one of us is created not by coincidence but by divine intentionality to have eternal meaning. After reading this book, you will be challenged to break through all the excuses that have kept you from feeling unworthy to play a part in your God-given, designed purpose. The encouragement from this book reminded me I was created and designed to live a life of meaning and purpose for Christ.

Jacob Davidson 

Senior Manager 

PGA Tour & Champions Tour 

Callaway Golf

No Extra Parts: Clearly Seeing Your Part and Purpose In God’s Plan

Copyright © 2023 by Clayton D. Baird

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without the written permission of the author, except where permitted by law.

The scanning, uploading, and distribution of this book without permission is a theft of the author’s intellectual property. If you would like permission to use material from this book (other than for review purposes), please contact [e-mail]. Thank you for your support of the author’s rights.

Cover design by Kayla Harris and BookBaby (a division of DIY Media Group, Inc.)

Cover photography by Lance Asper.

Print book interior design by BookBaby (a division of DIY Media Group, Inc.)

Edited by Bethany A. Baird.

First Edition: January 2024

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ® Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. | www.zondervan.com The NIV and New International Version are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.®

Scripture quotations marked ESV are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2011 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked NKJV are taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked MSG are taken from The Message, copyright © 1993, 2022, 2018 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress. All rights reserved. Represented by Tyndale House Publishers.

Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked GNT are from the Good News Translation in Today’s English Version- Second Edition Copyright © 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by permission.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Names: Baird, Clayton, author.

Title: No Extra Parts: clearly seeing your part and purpose in God’s plan / Clayton Baird.

Subjects: LCSH: Religious aspects—Christianity. | Jesus Christ--Example

ISBNs: 979-8-35093-259-1 (softcover), 979-8-35093-260-7 (ebook)

Printed in the United States of America

To my beautiful wife, Bethany.

I’m a better man in every way because of you.

This book would not exist without your faithful support and encouragement. You’ve believed in me even when I’ve struggled to believe in myself. I love you immensely. You remain, to this day, my greatest treasure.

Contents

INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER 1: THERE ARE NO EXTRAS

YOUR PART & YOUR PURPOSE

NO EXTRA PARTS

YOU HAVE A PART TO PLAY

YOU MUST NEVER FORGET THIS

CAREFUL vs. CARELESS

CHAPTER 2: CAN ANYTHING GOOD COME FROM THERE?

TWO QUESTIONS

WELCOME TO NAZARETH

PERSON > PLACE

WHERE IS THERE?

A TOWN REDEEMED

CHAPTER 3: WHO TOLD YOU THAT YOU WERE NAKED?

IDENTIFY YOUR IDENTITY

THE BATTLE OF IDENTITY

CRAFTY QUESTIONS

PERFECT PERFORMANCE

IMAGE & LIKENESS

SO, WHO TOLD YOU?

CHAPTER 4: FOUR LIES

LIES

THE BLADE

GOD CANNOT LIE

STOP BELIEVING THESE THINGS

PRESENT BUT NO FUTURE

CHAPTER 5: CAN IT LIVE AGAIN?

DIRECTIONALLY CHALLENGED

DESCRIBING VS DECLARING

SAY IT OUT LOUD

REVIVE YOUR PURPOSE

AGAIN?

CHAPTER 6: HOLDING PATTERN

HOLDING PATTERN

A GOD DELAY

DELAYED NOT DENIED

IT’S SERVING A PURPOSE

CHAPTER 7: EXPIRED

PIECES OF THE PICTURE

NO EXPIRATION

SOME TIME LATER

OFF THE CLOCK

CHAPTER 8: CLOSER THAN YOU THINK

ACRES OF DIAMONDS

THE STORY

13 SQUARE MILES

GOD WANTS TO USE YOU HERE

USE WHAT’S IN YOUR HAND

THE DIAMOND IN YOU

CHAPTER 9: A MADE-UP MIND

The path of purpose requires

a made-up mind.

BURN THE SHIPS

MADE-UP MIND

DON’T LOOK BACK

OLD, BAD HISTORY

HOW TO BURN THE SHIPS

THE PAST IS SHUT

CHAPTER 10: TYPES OF PEOPLE GOD USES

A SIGNIFICANT LIFE

PEOPLE WHO ARE DOING THE RIGHT THINGS

PEOPLE WHO ARE WILLING TO BE INTERRUPTED

PEOPLE WHO PAY ATTENTION TO NEEDS

PEOPLE WHO INSPIRE HOPE IN OTHERS

PEOPLE WHO USE WHAT THEY HAVE

PEOPLE WHO REALIZE THEIR SOURCE OF

GIVING IS GOD

PEOPLE WHO ARE WILLING TO TRY

PEOPLE WHO WILL GIVE GOD THE GLORY

CHAPTER 11: EARTHEN VESSELS

CONTAINERS & CONTENTS

NO JARS LEFT

THE OIL

YOU ARE A VESSEL

HE NEEDED A VESSEL

CHAPTER 12: I CAN DO ONE MORE

SHOW ME YOUR FRIENDS

I CAN DO ONE MORE

ONE FRIEND AWAY

A FRIEND WHO CALLS YOU HIGHER

A FRIEND WHO HELPS YOU FIND

SPIRITUAL STRENGTH

A FRIEND WHO TELLS YOU THE TRUTH

TWO ARE BETTER THAN ONE

CHAPTER 13: RESERVED

RESERVATIONS

THE LORD NEEDS IT

I’M RESERVED

JESUS REDEEMS

JESUS RELEASES

JESUS RULES

CHAPTER 14: GET READY ON THE WAY

THANK YOU, CHAIRS

WAIT WHILE WALKING

GET READY ON THE WAY

THE PASTURE

THE BATTLEFIELD

THE CAVES

FAITHFUL TO THE END

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

INTRODUCTION

Several years ago, while in Belfast, Northern Ireland, I met a man who told me that he’d been an extra in movies and shows that had been filmed around the United Kingdom. He considered it a hobby to travel and participate as an extra in films.

An extra is a person whose presence in the background of certain scenes makes the shot look more realistic. In a film, for instance, if the leading couple goes to a baseball game on their first date, the extras would be the people sitting all around them in the stands. They might be smiling, cheering, eating their popcorn, or conversing quietly with one another while the cameras film the leading actors reciting their lines.

You see, extras in movies just take up space. They fill gaps. They wander around. Truth be told, they play no vital role in the plot of the film. They’re simply space fillers for each scene.

Listen to me carefully: God does not make extras.

He hasn’t created certain human beings to just wander around life in the background without a real purpose in His story. God has a specific purpose for everyone. He has a specific purpose for you. We were all made with intentionality and care.

The problem that I’ve noticed through years of ministry is that there are too many people (particularly people of faith) who are content to sit on the sidelines of life and watch more talented individuals be used by God to accomplish great things and contribute in meaningful ways to His plan. Somewhere along the way these individuals have believed the lie that they aren’t needed. Or perhaps that they aren’t gifted enough to contribute. Or because of a stained past and lengthy sin resume, God can’t use them anymore because they’ve disqualified themselves. The goal of this book is to challenge all those lies.

The truth is, to accomplish all that God desires to do in the earth and through His Church, it’s going to take everyone playing their part. The Church of Jesus Christ is not built on the backs of a few premier preachers, or a handful of talented worship artists. We live in a culture these days—even within the church—that loves to prop up and celebrate only a select few voices that God is using. Celebrity culture isn’t just in Hollywood; it’s found its way into the Church as well. And truthfully, some people don’t mind it because it’s provided them with an excuse not to play their God-given part or live on-mission for the Gospel. After all, why does God need me to share Jesus with people when He has that great conference speaker I saw last summer? Why does God need me to engage in worship when He already has several famous worship