"4Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, 5 so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. 6 In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. 7 If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. 8 If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly."
Romans 12:4-8
As I was reading through Romans, God really spoke to me on this passage. Just as the human body has its many parts, the body (of Christians) has many gifts. If each of us does our part in serving, teaching, giving, leading, and showing kindness to one another, our body will be able to fully function as a body. But what does it mean to be a 'fully functional body of Christians?'
Ephesians 4:11-13 explains that: 11 He [God] also gave apostles, prophets, missionaries, as well as pastors and teachers as gifts to his church. 12 Their purpose is to prepare God’s people, to serve, and to build up the body of Christ. 13 This is to continue until all of us are united in our faith and in our knowledge about God’s Son, until we become mature, until we measure up to Christ, who is the standard."
To become a 'fully functional' body, we must ALL use our gifts in order to spread our faith and knowledge until every person comes to know Jesus Christ. Notice that it's not the 'paid professionals' (paid church staff) who God uses to build His Kingdom - but it's their job to prepare/equip ALL the other members to serve and build the Kingdom.
We, as Christians, are the body of Christ. How are we living out our share of the body?
Are you using your gifts to further the Kingdom? To spread God's Word? Do you have gifts that need exercise?
Maybe we serve in one capacity or another, but feel as though God is calling us to do something more. Do we make excuses, telling Him "I'm busy." "I'm already serving in _______ ministry." "I have too much school work." "Work is hectic." What are we using as an excuse to 'get out of' using our gifts to serve the Kingdom? What do we need to push aside to really and truly impact the Kingdom?
Take time to pray about the gifts God has chosen to give YOU.
Now, put those gifts into action!!
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