Use Your Gift
“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10
God gives spiritual gifts to his followers to help us witness to the world and build up the body of Christ. As the Apostle Paul explains in Romans 12:6-8, “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.”
1 Corinthians 12:11 tells us that these gifts are distributed by the Holy Spirit, “to each one, just as he determines.” But in looking at them, you might be tempted to ask, “Aren’t we all supposed to serve?” “Aren’t we all supposed to encourage?” “Aren’t we all supposed to give?”
The answer is “yes” most of these are things that should be part of every Christian’s life. We should all show mercy, and we should all give, and we should all serve and encourage. But what Paul is saying here is that some are especially gifted in specific areas by the Holy Spirit, and they are to emphasize these characteristics in their ministry.
Those gifted in showing mercy should be leaders in showing mercy. The gifted teacher should teach often and should work hard to develop that gift. It is the same with the other gifts. Those who have them should both use them and continue to develop them. That’s what Paul did, encouraging Timothy “to fan into flame the gift of God” (2 Timothy 1:6) so that he could minister most effectively.
Ask God to show you your gift and then use it to administer his grace and serve his church.
Do you know your spiritual gift? Are you using it and developing it?
Having begun as a guest speaker in 2005, Dan was appointed Interim Pastor in 2008 and has been serving Maple Root Baptist ever since. As a small group leader and Chaplin for the Connecticut Tigers, Dan has a heart for the lost and the God that saves them.