Reflection: Gifts Within the Body of Christ
(Further reading: 1 Corinthians 12:1-27)
Every one of us is blessed by God with unique and individual gifts. These are given to us through the Holy Spirit. The Apostle Paul calls them special abilities, which are gifts. We know that we didn’t earn them, work for them, or come up with them on our own. We are gifted in some areas because God has given us gifts, not because we’re better than others.
This means we can never be prideful or arrogant about our areas of service. It’s also why we don’t worship those gifts in others — we celebrate them and honour them, but we don’t worship them.
The Apostle Paul encourages the Corinthians that these gifts aren’t given to Christians so we can become individually famous. They’re given to build up his Church! When we all come together to play our part, and use our gifts, the body of Christ is built up, and Jesus is glorified.
However, just like when our own bodies have a part that is injured, or not functioning properly, it affects the whole body negatively. In the same way, when someone doesn’t use their gifts to build up God’s House, everyone misses out!
Now, what if we were to use our gifts only for ourselves, and ignore God? What if we were to have backslidden, and recently returned to the Lord? What if we got it wrong for any reason? Would God take away the gifts he has given us? No!! One of my favourite verses in the New Testament, Romans 11:29, explains this specifically, with The Passion Translation paraphrase putting it this way: ‘God’s gifts and his call can never be withdrawn. God doesn’t take back His gifts! It’s a gift, not a conditional loan!’
Writing to the Ephesians, the Apostle Paul lists gifts commonly called the ‘fivefold ministry gifts’. These are gifts we often see manifested in the leadership of the church. He makes it a responsibility to equip the entire body, that together, we all may build up the church. I want you to see, as well, that there are promises attached to this. When we’re all in unity in this area, we see that it leads to maturity, a withstanding of storms and thoughts that would exalt themselves about Christ, and the lies of the world. Wow! Let’s say yes and amen to the promises of God.
How is it that God is calling you to use your gifts? Who around you need building up in this area, that you could encourage? How has the Lord spoken to your heart in the last seven days?
Prayer:
Dear God, thank you for the unique gifts you have given me to serve and build up your Church. Help me to recognise and honour the gifts in others and use my abilities to encourage and strengthen those around me. May I always seek to grow in unity and love within the Body of Christ. Amen.