[Today, I share my ‘bits from bob’ article from last week’s church bulletin.]
In the church of Jesus Christ, the gifts of God are in glorious view. The church is made up of many members. In the church is made obvious that every Christian has gifts. These gifts are to be used for the wellbeing and edification of the body of Christ, the church. Every member of the body has some gift, but not all the same gifts, so the power of the body is in the sum of the gifts.
First, every Christian has a gift. All have some gift. God has given gifts, and the differing gifts provide power for the differing roles and responsibilities of the members of the body. Every Christian should identify and know his or her gifts. What gifts has God given you for the strengthening of the body? How does your unique place in the body help the body? And by the way, how are you doing in building up the body according to your gift? (Read Eph. 4:7-16; 1 Cor. 12:12-29; Romans 12:3-8; 1 Peter 4:8-11.)
Not all have the same gift (1 Cor. 12:14). The body would be largely incapable of functioning as God intends if every body part had the same gift. Believe it or not, no local congregation needs 200 preachers! The differing gifts give the body interest and capacity. The body can function in outreach, evangelism, fellowship, missions, and worship more effectively because not everyone has the same gift.
The spiritual gifts of God are given for a purpose (Eph. 4:11-16). The body functions as God intends when the sum of the gifts is at work. Christians do not have the right to withhold their gifts from blessing the rest of the body. Every Christian has the responsibility to be involved in the work of the body according to the gifts and abilities God provides.