Over the past 3 weeks we have conducted a 30,000 ft fly over on Spiritual Gifts. Sadly, it seems ignorance about spiritual gifts persists in our day. That is why our Pastors felt it was so important to clarify the roles of the spiritual gifts in our lives. My prayer as we re-enter the book of Colossians, is that you not only discover your giftedness but find creative ways of utilize them in whatever local church you find yourself.
One way to connect with Christ-centered community for you to be empowered with the gospel to serve God and others. Serving is one of the greatest things that we can do as disciples. We should be committed to growing as disciples by using our gifts and talents for God in a way that will bless others and make the community a better place. The Bible tells us that God gave each of us the ability to do certain things well (Romans 12:6‐8). The Holy Spirit gives gifts to believers to be used for the building up of the body of Christ. As a church, we need to help people find and use these gifts for God. Serving is a powerful connection point that many believers ignore or simply overlook. Serving others is certainly not encouraged in our individualistic society, to be a servant means that we must look after the interests of others. It means selflessness as opposed to selfishness. A servant asks, “What can I do for others” instead of “what can they do for me?”
Additionally, Christians must strive to be like Jesus, our perfect example. Jesus set the example of being a servant by saying, “For even the Son of man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). This scripture beautifully embodies the task of Christian ministry. Disciples are to serve and give their lives for others. Serving is the example that Jesus gave, and his followers should follow it. Jesus met both the physical and spiritual needs of the people he ministered to in the Gospels. As the Body of Christ, we become his representatives to a lost world.
Finally, a servant revolution in our churches will reach our community and show the love of Christ. Each week and month, our church provides dozens of different opportunities for people to make a difference through service projects that touch peoples’ lives in the community. These pathways of service help people connect to their community with their God-given ability to serve. Serving is one of the major connection points in our church. The church should be an army of servants who are making a positive difference in their families, their community, and the world. Help find creative pathways for people to connect to your church through serving.
For more information on Spiritual Gifts from a [trusted] Pastor’s perspective please check out this series of blog post. Click here…
HT: Winfield Bevins’