Taking Action
Devotional
READ: 1 Corinthians 12:4-7
Many years ago, when my wife and I were involved in the Young Marrieds ministry at our church, we had been asked to serve on the leadership team. Several current leaders moved on to that church's parenting class and we were encouraged to seek out new leaders to help fill the many roles. One of my friends came to the annual weekend leadership retreat, where we shared more about what leadership looked like for our group and those interested in serving. He didn't feel qualified or able to lead. Still, during one of our discussions, he talked about enjoying small group Bible study. He was willing to facilitate (though not teach or lead) a Bible study. Now, 16 years later, Dave is still facilitating a Bible study and impacting lives.
As we see in 1 Corinthians 12, everyone who has trusted in Christ for salvation has the Holy Spirit living inside them, and the Holy Spirit has provided at least one spiritual gift to build up the church. So, if you have salvation through Christ, you have strength through the Holy Spirit.
It's easy to look at the New Testament and focus on Paul, Peter, and others who either walked with Christ or had miraculous encounters with him, pillars of the faith. Then, to look at ourselves and mistakenly believe that we are not extraordinary. We often overlook the many other Bible believers who we see using their gifts and who were also instrumental in laying the church's foundation. Tabitha with her gift of giving, Ananias of Damascus with his gifts of miracles and mercy, and Timothy with his gift of leadership. Then, there is a man we know much about - Barnabas. He wasn't among the twelve disciples, and yet…
Barnabas is first mentioned in Acts 4:36-37 for selling land he owned and bringing the proceeds to the apostles. Here, he's used as an example of giving and contrasted with Ananias and Saphira. We meet him again in Acts 9:27 when he brings Saul to the apostles and stands up for him. In Acts 11:30, he's sent out with Saul on a missionary journey. In Acts 13:1, we find that he's a teacher in Antioch who is called by God to go with Saul on another missionary journey. In Acts 15:2, he has a heated argument with Paul about including Mark on their next journey. Once again, Barnabas shows mercy and love and stands firm in including Mark. He ends up leaving Paul and going out in a different direction to preach the Gospel in Acts 15:39. (Paul later asks for Mark to be sent to him, having apparently changed his mind, which we see in 2 Timothy 4:11, and refers to being with him in prison in Colossians 4:10).
Barnabas was someone who saw the needs around him and took action. That's what we are called to do today. The ministries of the church and of our church body need people who are acting in love.
Many years ago, when my wife and I were involved in the Young Marrieds ministry at our church, we had been asked to serve on the leadership team. Several current leaders moved on to that church's parenting class and we were encouraged to seek out new leaders to help fill the many roles. One of my friends came to the annual weekend leadership retreat, where we shared more about what leadership looked like for our group and those interested in serving. He didn't feel qualified or able to lead. Still, during one of our discussions, he talked about enjoying small group Bible study. He was willing to facilitate (though not teach or lead) a Bible study. Now, 16 years later, Dave is still facilitating a Bible study and impacting lives.
As we see in 1 Corinthians 12, everyone who has trusted in Christ for salvation has the Holy Spirit living inside them, and the Holy Spirit has provided at least one spiritual gift to build up the church. So, if you have salvation through Christ, you have strength through the Holy Spirit.
It's easy to look at the New Testament and focus on Paul, Peter, and others who either walked with Christ or had miraculous encounters with him, pillars of the faith. Then, to look at ourselves and mistakenly believe that we are not extraordinary. We often overlook the many other Bible believers who we see using their gifts and who were also instrumental in laying the church's foundation. Tabitha with her gift of giving, Ananias of Damascus with his gifts of miracles and mercy, and Timothy with his gift of leadership. Then, there is a man we know much about - Barnabas. He wasn't among the twelve disciples, and yet…
Barnabas is first mentioned in Acts 4:36-37 for selling land he owned and bringing the proceeds to the apostles. Here, he's used as an example of giving and contrasted with Ananias and Saphira. We meet him again in Acts 9:27 when he brings Saul to the apostles and stands up for him. In Acts 11:30, he's sent out with Saul on a missionary journey. In Acts 13:1, we find that he's a teacher in Antioch who is called by God to go with Saul on another missionary journey. In Acts 15:2, he has a heated argument with Paul about including Mark on their next journey. Once again, Barnabas shows mercy and love and stands firm in including Mark. He ends up leaving Paul and going out in a different direction to preach the Gospel in Acts 15:39. (Paul later asks for Mark to be sent to him, having apparently changed his mind, which we see in 2 Timothy 4:11, and refers to being with him in prison in Colossians 4:10).
Barnabas was someone who saw the needs around him and took action. That's what we are called to do today. The ministries of the church and of our church body need people who are acting in love.
Personal Reflection
Go to faithbible.church/spiritualgifts to complete a free spiritual gifts assessment and find an in-depth study on spiritual gifts. Then consider how you currently use your gifts in our church, your community and beyond to fulfill the Great Commission. Is there more you could be doing?
Posted in UR Devotionals
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