When Should I Use My Gifts?
Devotional
READ: Romans 12:1, 1 Corinthians 13:1-3
One of the most joyful and fulfilling ministries at Faith Bible Church is Core Team 6. Unless you've had a sixth grader go through our children's ministry, you may be unaware of this small, energetic group of boys and girls. Both of my children have served on this team, and as a parent, it brings me immense joy to see the impact that serving others has had on their lives. While on Core Team 6, the children volunteer in various ways throughout the church—greeting in the church lobby, helping with the younger Faith Kids classes, staffing the Motivation Station (where kids can get prizes), and helping clean up and reset after the second service. Helping with the younger classes has been a deeply meaningful and fulfilling experience for my kids.
There's rarely a convenient time to start volunteering, but God doesn't ask us to help when it suits our schedule. He tells us to offer ourselves as a living and holy sacrifice, which is our spiritual service of worship. This means that when we serve others, we show our love and devotion to God. So, by serving, we worship God. Even if you need to figure out your spiritual gift, you can start with your skills or interests.
From there, talk to the leaders in ministries you're already connected to. These leaders are there to guide and support you in your journey of service. If you have kids in Faith Kids or Faith Students ministries, ask if there are ways you can help. Talk to your leader about serving opportunities if you're in an adult small group. Men have places to connect through the men's ministry and women through the women's ministry.
If you are not using your gift somewhere to help the church, not only is the church missing out and not growing in the way it could, but you're missing out on the growth that God has for you. Ephesians 4:13 gives us our end goal: "Until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ." Until you are full-grown to the extent that you measure up to Christ, you should be growing toward Him. Your service in the church is a pathway to personal development and spiritual growth.
And finally, it's crucial to ensure that any exercise of your gifts and your talents in the church is done in love. In fact, in all four of the major lists of spiritual gifts, there follows a command to love one another or to act in love (Romans 12:9-10; Ephesians 4: 15-16; 1 Corinthians 13, 1 Peter 4:8-10). This emphasis on love reminds us of the transformative power of love in our service to the church.
One of the most joyful and fulfilling ministries at Faith Bible Church is Core Team 6. Unless you've had a sixth grader go through our children's ministry, you may be unaware of this small, energetic group of boys and girls. Both of my children have served on this team, and as a parent, it brings me immense joy to see the impact that serving others has had on their lives. While on Core Team 6, the children volunteer in various ways throughout the church—greeting in the church lobby, helping with the younger Faith Kids classes, staffing the Motivation Station (where kids can get prizes), and helping clean up and reset after the second service. Helping with the younger classes has been a deeply meaningful and fulfilling experience for my kids.
There's rarely a convenient time to start volunteering, but God doesn't ask us to help when it suits our schedule. He tells us to offer ourselves as a living and holy sacrifice, which is our spiritual service of worship. This means that when we serve others, we show our love and devotion to God. So, by serving, we worship God. Even if you need to figure out your spiritual gift, you can start with your skills or interests.
From there, talk to the leaders in ministries you're already connected to. These leaders are there to guide and support you in your journey of service. If you have kids in Faith Kids or Faith Students ministries, ask if there are ways you can help. Talk to your leader about serving opportunities if you're in an adult small group. Men have places to connect through the men's ministry and women through the women's ministry.
If you are not using your gift somewhere to help the church, not only is the church missing out and not growing in the way it could, but you're missing out on the growth that God has for you. Ephesians 4:13 gives us our end goal: "Until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ." Until you are full-grown to the extent that you measure up to Christ, you should be growing toward Him. Your service in the church is a pathway to personal development and spiritual growth.
And finally, it's crucial to ensure that any exercise of your gifts and your talents in the church is done in love. In fact, in all four of the major lists of spiritual gifts, there follows a command to love one another or to act in love (Romans 12:9-10; Ephesians 4: 15-16; 1 Corinthians 13, 1 Peter 4:8-10). This emphasis on love reminds us of the transformative power of love in our service to the church.
Personal Reflection
Allocate time to pray and reflect on what we've gone over this week. Seek God's guidance on how and where to serve in the local church, what your spiritual gifts are, and whom you can talk to about confirming your gifts.
Posted in UR Devotionals
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