The first truth that we must grasp is the diversity of the gifts that God has entrusted to us. As Romans 12:6a (NLT) states, "In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well." This passage highlights the beautiful variety within the body of Christ. Each believer is uniquely equipped by God’s grace, and no two are exactly alike in their giftings. Whether it be the gift of teaching, serving, prophesying, or any other spiritual endowment, each one of us has been specifically designed by God to fulfill a particular role in His Kingdom. This diversity is not a sign of division but of the richness and completeness that comes from the many parts working together as one. Just as a body needs each of its parts to function properly, the Church needs every believer to contribute their gifts. The challenge before us is to recognize the value of our unique gifts and the gifts of others, understanding that each plays a vital role in the overall health and mission of the Church.
As we consider the gifts that God has given us, it is essential to understand that these gifts must be exercised with both diligence and humility. Romans 12:6b-8 (NLT) encourages us, "So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well..." This passage speaks deeply to my own journey, as I have been blessed by God with two particular gifts: serving others and teaching. These gifts have come from His bountiful hand, and I am profoundly grateful to have found my place in God’s kingdom, where I can use them for His glory.
I have dedicated my life to serving God in these capacities, striving to serve others well and to teach with all the faith and knowledge that God has granted me. When I was called to preach in the retirement community in Cedar Park, TX, I felt a deep sense of purpose. I reminded all the members of the congregation that in God’s kingdom, no one ever retires. We may step away from our earthly labors, but in God’s eyes, we are simply given different duties to perform, each one as vital as the last. This understanding has guided me in my ministry, knowing that as long as we have breath, we have a role to play in God’s grand design. By using our gifts faithfully and with the right attitude, we not only fulfill God’s purpose for us but also reflect the character of Christ, who came not to be served but to serve.
The purpose of these spiritual gifts goes beyond personal fulfillment or recognition; they are given to us to build up the Church, the body of Christ. Ephesians 4:12-13 (NLT) tells us that these gifts are "to equip God’s people to do His work and build up the church, the body of Christ. This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ." When we use our gifts faithfully, we contribute to the unity and maturity of the Church. Each of us has a part to play in this process, and it is through the active use of our gifts that the Church grows in strength and unity. The diversity of our gifts is meant to complement one another, creating a harmonious and effective body that can carry out God’s will on earth. By recognizing and embracing our individual roles, we help to ensure that the Church remains strong and vibrant, able to fulfill its mission of spreading the Gospel and ministering to the world.
Now that we understand the importance and purpose of our spiritual gifts, it is crucial to consider how we can discover and use these gifts in our daily lives. The first step in this journey is prayer. We must seek God’s guidance, asking Him to reveal the gifts He has placed within us. Sometimes, God’s calling becomes clear in unexpected ways. During a very troubling time of illness for our Sunday School teacher, I was called to step in and substitute for him. It was during that period that God began to move me into the position of teaching and preaching His Word. What began as a temporary role turned into a pivotal moment in my spiritual journey, as I realized that God was calling me to use the gift of teaching to serve His people.
In addition to prayer, seeking counsel from mature believers can provide valuable insight and encouragement as we explore our spiritual strengths. My own journey also involved serving as a deacon and later as the chairperson of the deacons. In these roles, I was not only called to lead but to serve all, modeling the servant leadership that Christ exemplified. These experiences taught me that discovering our gifts often involves stepping out in faith, even when the path is uncertain.
It is also important to remember that no gift is too small or insignificant. God can use even the simplest acts of service to make a profound impact on others. We should start where we are, using whatever gifts we have been given, and trust that God will bless our efforts. In my ministry, whether teaching a Bible study, offering a word of encouragement, or simply being present for someone in need, I have witnessed how God works through our willingness to serve. Let us commit ourselves to discovering and using our gifts, knowing that in doing so, we are participating in God’s divine plan.
As we bring this message to a close, let us take a moment to reflect on the immense privilege and responsibility that comes with the gifts God has entrusted to us. We have learned that these gifts are diverse, given to us for the purpose of serving others and building up the body of Christ. We have seen how the faithful and humble exercise of these gifts brings glory to God and strengthens His Church. Now, the question before each of us is simple: How will we respond to the call to use our gifts for God’s glory?
I encourage you to take time this week to seek God’s direction in identifying and using your gifts. Whether you are just beginning to discover your place in God’s kingdom or have been serving for many years, there is always room to grow and new opportunities to serve. Remember, in God’s kingdom, there is no retirement—only a continual call to new and meaningful duties for His glory.
This week, I challenge you to actively engage with your gifts. Look for ways to serve within your community and your church. Whether it's volunteering for a new ministry, offering encouragement to someone in need, or sharing your knowledge and skills, every action counts. Let us commit ourselves to using our gifts to build up the Church and advance God’s work on earth. Step out in faith, and let your actions reflect the grace and love of God in all you do.
No comments:
Post a Comment