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When was the last time a leader in your church asked you to serve on a committee, volunteer in the nursery, lead a small group, or teach a Bible study? Perhaps they asked you because they knew that you are good at administrative details, working with youth, or planning a retreat. Regardless, when they asked you to serve, did you recognize that you have received a gift from God and that you are to use it for the encouragement and edification of the church?
Paul teaches the church in Ephesus that “grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. . . . He gave gifts to men” (Eph. 4:7–8). These gifts are to be used “for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith” (vv. 12–13). Sadly, believers are often tempted to compete with, envy, or be jealous of another’s spiritual gift. This is why it’s important to remember that spiritual gifts are gifts from God. We didn’t earn them, we can’t choose them, and we’re not to neglect them. We are to use them for the good of others and the glory of God.
The Apostle Peter exhorted fellow believers:
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: . . . whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 4:10–11)
We are to reflect God’s grace by serving one another with the gifts that He has given to us. Serving is a matter of stewardship. God has gifted some to speak the Word of God. He has gifted others to serve. The gifts that He has given are not limited to just these two. There are many different gifts (see Rom. 12:3–8; 1 Cor. 12; Eph. 4:1–16). As God’s people use their gifts, they reflect His creativity as well as His grace.
Regardless of what gifts we’ve received, we’re often tempted to think that we can’t accomplish the opportunities to use our gifts that God sets before us. It’s important, then, to remember that God will supply us with the strength to use them. In this way, God is glorified through Jesus Christ in everything that we do. It’s also a temptation at times to glory in our gifts or relish the praise that we receive from others. But remember, the glory and dominion belong not to us but to God. From beginning to end, He alone is worthy of praise. He has given us the gift, supplied the strength to use the gift, and accomplished the outcome that results from the gift’s being used.
So the next time one of your church leaders asks you to serve, think about the gifts that God has given you. If your gifts are a good fit for the opportunity, prayerfully consider saying yes. God will give you the strength to serve as you glorify Him.