Gifted for Service
4th SEPTEMBER 2020
“Just as each one of you has received a special gift [a spiritual talent, an ability graciously given by God], employ it in serving one another as [is appropriate for] good stewards of God’s multi-faceted grace [faithfully using the diverse, varied gifts and abilities granted to Christians by God’s unmerited favor].” [1 Peter 4:10 AMP]
A common theme we see woven into the Scriptures especially in the New Testament is community and fellowship. Christ is the head of His church, which is His body and this Body consists of distinct parts. The parts, though different, are uniquely and purposefully crafted to serve a function for God’s glory.
The book of James tells us that God is the giver of every good gift. He graciously bestows on us out of His abundant grace; wisdom, various resources, giftings, and abilities that are meant to bless others. Every gift that God endows us with is for His service. When we speak of service to God, practically, it simply means serving each other with what God has endowed us with.
The Living water Jesus spoke of in John 7:38 referred to the Holy Spirit who is given, to every believer, for diverse acts of service for the work of the Ministry. In a sense, those giftings are not for our personal benefit but rather to bless others. This is symbolic of a flowing river. When the Holy Spirit comes upon us, we are gifted in diverse ways and empowered to serve each other with our gifts. That was the great sense of fellowship that characterized the New Testament church and the church today is called to follow suit.
We must remember that we are only stewards of the gifts God bestows on us.
The gifts are given out of His manifold grace, and we, therefore, do not work for them. As children of God, it is important to note that these gifts are not limited to the working of miracles, discerning of spirits and prophecy. A believer may also be gifted with leadership qualities, creative and organizational skills, among others, to the service of God and for the advancement of the Kingdom agenda.
Using one’s time, money, other resources, and blessings for God’s service is good stewardship of these gifts, and this pleases God. We must remember that we are all not gifted the same, as members of Christ’s body, but each one of us is gifted uniquely and as a result, we must serve one another with our gifts to advance the Kingdom of God.
Heavenly Father, I am thankful for every unique gift, talent and ability You have endowed me with. Please open my eyes to recognize opportunities to use my gifts for Your service. Amen.
Further Reading: John 7:38–39
Bible In One Year: Matthew [12–15]
