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Spiritual Gifts for the Church's Benefit
By Jill Briscoe
But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Therefore He says: “When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men.” ~ Ephesians 4:7-8
Did you know you have a spiritual gift that was given to you for the church’s benefit? My husband was asked to visit a family who was thinking of joining our church. “Pastor Briscoe,” began the father, “what does your church have to offer my family?” “What does your family have to offer to my church?” replied my husband. He explained that the policy of our fellowship is to help people discover their spiritual abilities and exercise them for the good of the whole.
Paul explains that persons are gifts (see Eph. 4:11). There have been apostles who had a distinctive position, prophets with inspired utterance, evangelists with the ability to spread the Good News, pastor-teachers to shepherd the flock under Christ the chief Pastor. All these men are there to teach the saints (rank-and-file members) to do the work of ministry (see Eph. 4:12). The greatest mistake people can make is to think of church as a spectator sport.
Paul also writes that gifts are given to all Christians. Unto every one of us is given a gift (see Eph. 4:7). Each gift is different, and there is a diversity as subtle and beautiful as the spots on a leopard, snowflakes on the grass, grains of sand on the seashore. Each personality with its matching gifts is unique, but, like a note in a chord of music, or an instrument in an orchestra, it is intended to blend with others so that the message of salvation becomes the loveliest symphony of all.
Lord, thank You for making me unique, and for blessing me with gifts. Help me to develop and use those gifts in Your service. When new opportunities arise, help me to dig deep for gifts I may not realize I have. Use me, and blend my gifts in harmony with fellow Christians. Amen.
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