Part Of A Whole Pt.3
This week is the third part to a series of Blogs called Part Of A Whole. It seems like a simple topic but if we’ve never realized how the Body of Christ is to function and what our part could be we may never have considered how we may fit into this equation.
Again our text is Ephesians 4:11-12, “And he (Jesus) has appointed some with grace to be apostles, and some with grace to be prophets, and some with grace to be evangelists, and some with grace to be pastors, and some with grace to be teachers. And their calling is to nurture and prepare all the holy believers (us) to do their own works of ministry (or the work of ministry) and as they do this they will enlarge and build up the body of Christ.” We learned we are all ministers in the Body and have a part to play in getting the work done.
So…we have a part to play but what if we don’t understand our part or how to be equipped to do it? There are so many resources out there to help us find out how we are gifted and how we can find our place in the Body. We each have been given a different personality and spiritual gifts from God. When we understand those it helps us to see where we can be most effective.
When I learned about personalities it literally changed everything for me. It gave me such perspective. There are many different kinds of tests but if you have not taken a personality test I would recommend the “Wired That Way” one that you can download. Also learning your Spiritual Gifts can tell you so much about yourself in terms of where you can serve in the Church and even in what capacity you can best minister to others around you (simply click on those links). These are just more tools for your spiritual toolbox.
Whether you serve in a church or not it’s vital to know yourself. “Self-awareness is a conscious knowledge of one’s own character, feelings, motives and desires. It plays a critical role in how we understand ourselves and how we relate to others and the world”, says Kendra Cherry. It’s important to be able to see our own flaws, faults and gifts to evaluate our motives in any given situation.
In ministering to another person is our motive to help them or to gain control over them? Or is it to look important or feel valued? This is where being self-ware is important. We need to know why we do what we do. Ministry should flow out of love for someone else and compassion for their need. Ministry is NOT about you…ever.
Years ago I realized I love to entertain. Having people over and hosting them just gave me goose bumps. We have had many people live with us over the years also. Wouldn’t you know the Gift of Hospitality is one of my spiritual gifts! Duh…I knew I had such a heart for people. I grieved with them over their pain and desired to jump in and help…yep I also have a Pastoral gift. But before I matured some I tried to help people from a motive of self, to make me feel better about me, scratching the itch of an unhealed wound in my own soul. Also I should stay away from the Nursery at church…THAT is not my spiritual gift!
1 Corinthians 12:4 in the NLT says, “There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us.” We are not the special ones. It’s not about us baby. It is our Father who gives us these gifts for his purposes. We can’t take the credit for any ministry we do, although many people try.
God has placed every good gift inside of each of us for the building up of His body. Being a Believer is not just about attending a church but serving not only in the church but also in your sphere of influence. I encourage you to take the tests and when you see how you are gifted then start to minister from those gifts.
YOU have a place.
YOU have gifts.
The Body needs YOU and what YOU carry.
Jesus….you alone are amazing. Give your people the desire to serve your body. Help us to understand ourselves and understand the gifts that you have given us to serve. Strengthen us to accomplish all that you know we can do through you. It’s your strength, your ability, your anointing and your grace that allows us to work for the Kingdom. Thank you for new mercies every morning when we mess it up. Grace us today to reach the lost, heal the sick and bring everyone we know into the knowledge of your son….