God has given each of you a gift from His great variety of spiritual gifts.
Use them well to serve one another.
1 Peter 4:10 (NLT)
Series: Hands and Feet
Have you ever wondered how different your life would be if you were born in another time or place? While we can’t know for sure, what we can be certain of is this: God has put each of us exactly where we need to be to glorify Him and help grow His Kingdom. The real question is, are we doing it, and can we do it more fully?
The way Jesus called His first 12 disciples is a source of wonder. He didn’t review their qualifications; He simply offered a gentle yet honest invitation: “Follow me.” Our journey as believers began similarly, with a decision to lay down personal desires for the sake of His. In doing so, God gives spiritual gifts, intended to serve His church and His will.
As believers, we should celebrate these gifts. Is it hard to do this? Maybe we think it sounds prideful to admit we have special gifts, or maybe we truly have yet to walk in the gift to notice it. Whatever the reason, make no mistake—you have gifts. Do you have trouble seeing your gifts? If so, pray and ask God to reveal them to you. If you still feel stuck or confused, ask a trusted friend to help you unveil them. Once you know, take a joyful step in them!
The disciples ran into this very concern when they began preaching the Word of God and expanding the church. Luke writes in Acts 6:1-7:
Now at this time, as the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint developed on the part of the Hellenistic Jews against the native Hebrews, because their widows were being overlooked in the daily serving of food. So the twelve summoned the congregation of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable for us to neglect the word of God in order to serve tables. Instead, brothers and sisters, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” The announcement found approval with the whole congregation; and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch. And they brought these men before the apostles; and after praying, they laid their hands on them. The word of God kept spreading; and the number of the disciples continued to increase greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were becoming obedient to the faith. (NASB)
When the complaint reached the twelve (the original 11 apostles plus Matthias, who was called into the ministry after the death of Judas Iscariot), they gathered the entire congregation to seek a solution. While the apostles recognized the problem, they knew it was not their assignment to serve the tables. The twelve were called to teach the Word of God, and because this was their calling—their giftedness—they would not neglect the Word of God in order to serve the tables. The solution was for the congregation to find seven respected men who were part of the congregation. They would then be presented to the apostles, who would make the final decision. With each man serving according to his distinct gifting, God was glorified, and the church grew.
The growth and well-being of our church depend on us actively using our spiritual gifts to serve one another. When needs arise, members who are serving according to their unique calling are best positioned to help. To fully embrace your purpose, you must transition from knowing your spiritual gifts to actively and confidently expressing them.
Watching a fellow believer serve successfully in their God-given gifts is a reason to rejoice together. Find your strengths and abilities. Don’t be discouraged if they differ from others, as all gifts are necessary and precious. This principle is found in Paul’s letter in 1 Corinthians 12:4–11:
Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons. But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, and to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, and to another the effecting of miracles, and to another prophecy, and to another the distinguishing of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills. (NASB)
In Romans 12:6-8, Paul shares about spiritual gifts as well:
We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
God desires for you to share your gifts within the body of Christ. We encourage you today to pray, seek, and act on your divine blessing of spiritual gifts. If you are struggling to identify yours, there are so many tools online to help you. Let’s join together, working in unity, each within our own gifts to help grow and serve the Kingdom of God.
Holding Fast to Hope,
Jen
Scripture References: 1 Peter 4:10; Acts 6:1-7; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11; Romans 12:6-8; Ephesians 4:12-16