Same God, Different Gifts

Christ's followers are given various gifts by the same Holy Spirit. These spiritual gifts are to be used to bless, build up, and meet the needs of the Church (the Body of Christ), not to gratify or glorify selves. We are to use these gifts to serve God (by serving others) and to further the kingdom of God for the glory of God. These gifts are not for us to show off or to compare or compete with other people's gifts or to elevate ourselves with. Be careful because spiritual giftedness can lead to spiritual haughtiness. Remember that one part of the body is neither better nor more important than other parts. We don't all have the same function/role. We need one another. Let's be humble and teachable. We should value and appreciate one another's gifts. Don't envy others' gifts. Everyone has been given some gifts. Don't hide them or neglect them. There's no excuse that you cannot serve because you have no gifts, either. Do you know what your spiritual gifts are? Try this test and see if you agree: https://www.sdrock.com/giftstest/ . 

There are many diverse ministries and ways of serving but we all serve the same Lord. All ministries are to represent and proclaim Christ. No matter what kinds of gifts we have, the same God is working in and through us all. "Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God." (2 Corinthians 3:5) All gifts and abilities are from God. God also empowers the effect. He gives different effects or results for the use of gifts...for different ministries. Each gift is given for the common good/mutual benefit.
God made each one of us unique on purpose for His purpose. Your talent is God's gift to you; what you do with it is your gift to God. We are called to be faithful stewards of God's grace by using whatever gift(s) we have received to serve others. We are saved to serve! We are blessed to be a blessing! As stewards, we are managers responsible for God's resources/gifts and will be held accountable for using what God entrusts us with according to His will and purpose. Be faithful and responsible in how you use God-given gifts. Every Christian is called to be a team player, not a spectator on a sideline. Various spiritual gifts enable the Body of Christ to function as a whole and to do the Kingdom's work. "Essential to unity is diversity. Unity of spirit and purpose can be maintained only through diversity of ministry. But unity is not uniformity. A football team whose players all wanted to play quarterback would have uniformity but not unity. It could not function as a team if everyone played the same position...God gives His people varieties of gifts just as players on a team have varieties of positions." (John MacArthur)

"But as we must not be proud of our talents, so we must take heed lest, under a pretense of humility and self-denial, we are slothful in laying out ourselves for the good of others. We must not say, I am nothing, therefore I will sit still, and do nothing; but, I am nothing in myself, and therefore I will lay out myself to the utmost, in the strength of the grace of Christ. Whatever our gifts or situations may be, let us try to employ ourselves humbly, diligently, cheerfully, and in simplicity; not seeking our own credit or profit, but the good of many, for this world and that which is to come." (Matthew Henry)


Prayer: Abba Father, thank You for the diverse gifts and talents You have given us! Please show us how to use them to serve, bless, edify, encourage, and minister to others. Please empower the Body of Christ to work together as a team in unity for Your glory. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen.

Below are various spiritual gifts mentioned in the Bible:

Be Known by Your Love for One Another

Jesus commands His disciples/His followers to love one another as He has loved them. He doesn't tell us to love one another only when we feel like it or only love those who are lovable and agreeable. When we love one another like Jesus, it means we also love people who are rude, disrespectful, self-centered, disagreeable, argumentative,.... It means we love everyone, regardless of their imperfections. "We cannot choose whom we will love if we claim to be Christians." (Unknown) Earlier in this same chapter, Jesus demonstrates His amazing love by washing the disciples' feet (including Judas' feet). This is humble, visible love in action. Christ calls us to be foot washers/ servants of all. As Jesus has loved and served us, so we must love and serve one another! He wants us to follow His example and love our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ unconditionally by serving them selflessly and humbly and meeting their needs sacrificially.

How will the world recognize Jesus' disciples? By our love for one another! Agape love among Christ's followers is a testimony to the world and draws others to Christ. On the contrary, when the world see Christians bicker, fight, backstab, hurt, blame, accuse one another, it allows them to play the hypocrite card as an excuse for rejecting Jesus. It turns them off to Christianity. "Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and His love is made complete in us." (1 John 4:11-12) "We are one in the Spirit; we are one in the Lord!...All praise to the Father, from Whom all things come, and all praise to Christ Jesus, His only Son, and all praise to the Spirit, Who makes us one. And they'll know we are Christians by our love. Yes, they'll know we are Christians by our love." (Peter Scholtes) Christ's disciples are identified by their genuine love for one another!

Our love for one another is modeled and motivated by Christ's love for us. His love towards us is patient, kind, compassionate, gentle, and committed. Is our love for one another like that? Love means praying for one another, forbearing & forgiving one another, bearing one another's burdens, encouraging & edifying one another/building one another up, admonishing one another, being at peace with one another, honoring one another above ourselves, rejoicing and mourning with one another, caring for one another, comforting one another, accepting one another, being truthful with one another, being available for one another, serving one another, etc. "You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love." (Galatians 5:13) 

"When you love the unloving, you get a glimpse of what God does for you." (Max Lucado)

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, please help us love and serve one another with humility like Jesus does. Please open our eyes to see the needs of others and how we can meet those needs. Please help us to faithfully follow Christ's footsteps. May our words and actions reflect Your agape love. May the world witness Your love through our lives and how we interact with one another...with everyone! In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen.

Love and Good Deeds

This verse calls for mutual encouragement, mutual spiritual edification, and mutual accountability. "The Greek word translated stir up has come into English as paroxysm, which means a 'convulsion.' In this context the Greek word speaks forcefully of the tremendous impact believers can have on each other." (from NKJV Study Bible's commentary) We are to stimulate one another to love (God and people) more/better and to do good works for God's glory. "Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth." (1 John 3:18) Love and good deeds must go together. If you truly love others, you will do good to them. Without loving action, saying "I love you" is meaningless. Our action/conduct should be motivated by love. "If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing." (1 Corinthians 13:3) Doing good deeds without love is also meaningless. We are to put love (agape) in action. Agape love is unconditional, selfless, and sacrificial. "For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited Me in, I needed clothes and you clothed Me, I was sick and you looked after Me, I was in prison and you came to visit Me.’ “Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You something to drink? When did we see You a stranger and invite You in, or needing clothes and clothe You? When did we see You sick or in prison and go to visit You?’ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of Mine, you did for Me.’" (Matthew 25:35-40) 

Be loving. Be kind. Be an encourager.

Let's think of ways we can get one another excited about loving and doing good deeds. I like the root words for "enthusiasm" which are 'en' (meaning 'in') and 'theos' (meaning 'God'). When we're really in God (abiding in Christ), we delight in sharing His love with others and in doing what pleases Him. We will enjoy doing good deeds, motivated by our love for God and people. Those who have been redeemed from all wickedness and been purified by Christ are eager/enthusiastic to do what is good (Titus 2:14). Enthusiasm is contagious. One of the ways to stimulate others is by example. Our enthusiasm for the work of God can rub off on each other. Other ways include praying, sharing God's Word, studying God's Word together (as we're doing here), and encouraging. Right now I'd like to encourage y'all with these verses and a quote :). "God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." (2 Corinthians 9:8) "Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in Heaven." (Matthew 5:16) "Life is ripe with opportunities to learn love...The world is not a playground; it's a classroom, and the eternal lesson is learning how to love better." (Henry Drummond) Live loved and live to love well!

Brothers and sisters in Christ should be there for one another...helping, serving, refreshing, comforting, edifying, encouraging, praying with & for one another. When Christians are united in serving the Lord, they can become a mighty force for the kingdom of God. Let us enjoy the strength and fellowship available in the body of Christ. We are better and stronger together. "Christians are like coals of fire--together, they glow; apart, they grow cold." (Unknown) 

"Christian fellowship provides us
With encouragement and love;
It will help us in our journey,
Till we reach our home above." (Sper)

As time gets closer and closer to Christ's return, we should encourage one another even more to remain faithful to Him, to be strong & courageous, to fight the good fight of faith, and to run the race with perseverance.

Prayer: 
"Lord, help us see how much we need each other
As we walk along the Christian way;
In fellowship with sister and with brother,
You will keep us growing day by day." (Hess)

Help Me Overcome My Unbelief

"Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, 'I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!'" (Mark 9:24)

The object of our faith is more important than the strength of our faith. What counts is authentic faith in Jesus Christ, not perfect faith. Christ heals the demon-possessed boy whose father confesses his trust in Christ and at the same time pleads for Christ to help him overcome his unbelief (his lack of full confidence). This man is honest and humble. He desires to have greater faith. He acknowledges his feeble faith and his need for Christ's help. Weak faith is still faith. "The apostles said to the Lord, 'Increase our faith!' He replied, 'If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it will obey you.'" (Luke 17:5-6) "He replied, "Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."" (Matthew 17:20) In these verses about mustard seed-sized faith, Jesus is making a point about God's mighty power unleashed in the lives of those who have genuine faith (no matter how small).

We may at times struggle with doubts or unbelief. Beware of the Enemy! Satan loves to plant lies, doubts, and discouragement in our mind and heart. Cry out to Jesus whenever your faith is weak. Faith is a gift from God. He will increase your faith if that's the desire of your heart. He uses His Spirit, His Word, people, circumstances, even trials to help our faith in Him grow. “Staying close to the Word, listening to the promises of our Redeemer, and opening my heart to Him are the things that kill unbelief and build a powerful faith that does not let me down in the midst of afflictions.” (R.C. Sproul)

Prayer: Abba Father, thank You for the gift of faith! Please keep me rooted and grounded in faith. Please strengthen and deepen my faith. Please help me to have absolute confidence in You, Your Word, Your will, and Your way. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen.

 

The Value of Trials

James wrote this letter to encourage and give practical advice to Jewish Christians who had been dispersed by persecution.

We're encouraged to respond to trials as positive things...almost as if we should even welcome them since they are opportunities to test our faith. Most people don't enjoy tests but tests do serve some valuable purposes. They reveal strengths and weaknesses. They demonstrate what we know and what we do not know, and they teach us how to apply knowledge. Our faith is tested by how we respond to trials (conflicts, sufferings, troubles, difficulties). It will show who we really are and what we really believe. It will show whether our faith is strong or weak, genuine or fake. 

Perseverance/patience/endurance is the fruit proven by the testing of our faith. This passage in James reminds me of Mark 4: 16-17, "Others, like seed sown on rocky places, hear the Word and at once receive it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the Word, they quickly fall away." True saving faith will stand steadfast under pressure and endure to the end...come what may! "Mind and heart and character are bettered by the endurance of affliction." (Alexander Smellie)

"Count it all joy/consider it pure joy"!
Trials are unpleasant but they are great opportunities to witness how God works in our lives, for our lives, and through our lives. We can have joy by focusing on the value of trials in our lives. Trials authenticate our faith, develop perseverance, strengthen us/our faith, draw us closer to God/make us depend on God more, glorify God as He sustains us through our trials, help us learn lessons that we need to learn, and enable us to encourage and comfort others who may experience similar trials. Don't just go through trials; grow through trials. Consider your trials as teaching lessons to help you grow in faith, endurance, perseverance, and Christlikeness. The result/reward for passing the testing of our faith and persevering includes spiritual maturity, completion, not lacking anything = complete contentment/ wholesomeness.

One thing that helps me during trials is to focus on the Author and Finisher of our Faith. "Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith, Who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him Who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." (Hebrews 12:1b-3) Such a beautiful and powerful example to help us endure our trials! 

Trials remind us that our joy and contentment are not found in the riches of this world, but in the riches of God's grace! 

Prayer: Abba Father, thank You for Your beautiful and faithful promises! I'm so grateful that You are with me always, comforting me, guiding me, watching over me, and carrying me through every trial. Please give me the wisdom, courage, and strength, I need to face each challenge. Please help me persevere, grow in my faith, and find joy in You through any storms. May I honor and glorify You in everything I say and do, including how I respond to trials! In Jesus's Name, I pray. Amen.

Pray with Boldness and Confidence

"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are--yet He did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." (Hebrews 4:15-16)

Jesus Christ is our merciful and faithful High Priest Who has empathy for our weaknesses since Christ incarnate was tempted just as we are. In His humanity, Christ was familiar with our needs, temptations, and problems. Satan tempted Him in the wilderness but He didn't succumb to the temptation; He did not sin. He overcame each temptation with God's Word. We don't have to sin when facing temptations, either. Christ understands what we're going through and He cares. He is able to help us. "Because He Himself suffered when He was tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted." (Hebrews 2:18) "The Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one." (2 Thessalonians 3:3) God is faithful to provide a way out when we're facing temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13). We just need to take it. 

Jesus Christ is also our Advocate (1 John 2:1), the Best Defense Attorney in the universe, who is always interceding for us. Because of Christ's atonement for the sins of the people, God's throne of grace is always accessible to us. Because of Christ (and His righteousness imputed upon us, we have a permanent, lifetime VIP pass/access to the throne of God. How awesome it is! We can now enter boldly into the presence of God with our petitions. Pray with boldness and confidence. Pray with humility and reverent submission. We can pour our hearts out to our Heavenly Father at His throne of grace (this is not a throne of justice or judgment) and receive His mercy and grace to help us in time of need. I believe we are continually in need of God's grace and mercy (undeserved favor and pardon); that's why we are to pray continually (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Need strength to resist temptation? Pray. Need relief from affliction? Pray. Need wisdom and discernment? Pray. Need any help? Pray. 

Pray first and pray most. Let's take full advantage of this amazing privilege God has given us! Even though we know His will prevails and He already knows all our needs, God desires that we come to Him in prayer because it's a relationship thing. "The purpose of prayer is that we get a hold of God, not of the answer." (Oswald Chambers) He wants us to rely on Him, look to Him for fresh supplies of grace & mercy to sustain us, strengthen us, and keep us to the end, and keep our hearts and mind focused on Him...on His purpose.  We find shelter, rest, comfort, strength, joy, peace, encouragement, and assurance in sweet communion with our Father. Our attitude regarding praying should always be "not my will, but Yours be done" (Luke 22:42b). Praying draws us closer to God, and through prayer, God molds our heart's desires and our thoughts to be like His. Let us be thankful that God's answers are always wiser than our prayers!

"Prayer does not take our trials away--but it puts our life into the hands of God--so that in His keeping, we shall be kept from harm while we pass through our trials. It brings God's grace into our heart--to preserve us from falling into sin; and God's strength into our life--that we may be victorious over our enemies. Not to pray as we go into the day's dangers and trials--is to meet them without the help of Christ, and surely to suffer hurt, and possibly to fall into sin!" (J.R. Miller)

"Prayer should be...constant, fervent, believing, hopeful, and incessant. God loves it, Satan hates it, and every true Christian values it. True prayer is always necessary, profitable and acceptable to God." (James Smith)

"Be thou content to leave thy prayer in His hands, Who knows when to give, and how to give, and what to give, and what to withhold." (Charles H. Spurgeon)

Prayer: Abba Father, I'm so thankful that I can come to You anytime, anywhere and tell you about anything. I'm so glad that You never get tired of listening to my prayers and that You're always available. Please continue to transform my heart and mind, my desires and will to be like Yours. Thank You for being my Refuge, Strength, and Ever-present Help in time of need! Thank You for Your inexhaustible grace and mercy in my life! Please enable me to overcome any temptation and emerge from any trials victorious. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen.