We have gifts, let's use them

 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. Romans 12: 6-8 ESV

Paul speaks of a multitude of gifts that exist within the body of Christ. It is not an all inclusive list, but it covers a lot of gifts that many of us have to some degree. Just look at the list and see if you fall under one of those categories. If you do, are you using your gift to serve the body?

I want to focus on one particular gift that I believe is overlooked far too often, service. Everyone of us within the body have been called to serve. Yet, this isn't what many want to pursue. We have a tendency to look at some of the more “glorious” gifts of teaching, giving and leading and we covet them. We covet them as though we could serve Jesus and His body better if those were our gifts.

When we do that, I think we over look what was at the heart of Jesus ministry and what He wants us to appreciate. When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, "Do you understand what I have done to you? If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. John 13:12, 14 ESV Jesus Himself set the example as one who serves the needs of others. We are to follow in His steps.

Take another look at the list of gifts, at the core of every gift is service. Service to the body of Christ. Let's make up our minds today that we will serve the body with whatever gifts we have been given. The one gift that we all have, is the ability to serve. Find a place you can serve in the body today and serve because He served.

© 2012 Leo J. Woodman

Members one of another

 For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.

Romans 12:4,5 ESV

This is one of my favorite verses. Paul conveys how intermingled we are in the body of Christ. We as individuals work together as a part of the whole. None of us has exactly the same function in the body of Christ, but everyone of us is important to the function of the body.

Its important that we remember this. My last posting was about not thinking too much about ourselves, which is true we shouldn't. But, we should realize that we as individuals are an important part of the local body where we worship.

Realize that your particular personality and abilities are to be used to the benefit of the body. When we read our bibles we see that God uses peoples personalities and abilities to His glory. But they must be willing to let Him use them.

Are you letting God use your personality and abilities for His glory in the body where you are? Every person brings something unique to the local body of believers. You are unique and God wants to use that to His glory. Will you let Him? Take time today to look at yourself, an honest look. What is unique about you? What abilities do you have to strengthen and build up the body? Write them down. Take some time to think about how to be the best you, you can be in your congregation. Ask God for wisdom to use your personality and ability to His glory and find ways to go to work where you are and build up that body.

© 2012 Leo J. Woodman