CWW Week 26 - Day 4 - What Is Church?
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1 Peter 4:10-11 in the NKJV:
10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as
good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
11 If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone
ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that
in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom
belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
This passage emphasises the importance of using the gifts God
has given us to serve others, whether through speaking or serving,
all for the glory of God. It also highlights that whatever we do, we
should do it with God’s strength and not our own, acknowledging
that all glory belongs to Him.
What are spiritual gifts?
We are all wired differently and have talents many of us have never
comprehended. It is when we come together in Jesus and feel the
presence of the Holy Spirit that we can start to see some potential
in who we are as individuals.
I imagine life as a giant jig saw puzzle where all the pieces are
designed to fit perfectly together to create a work of art.
Have you ever spent weeks working on a puzzle to get close to
completion and realise that there are some pieces missing? In the
fellowship of believers we should be constantly encouraging others
to fulfil their God given destiny using the talents that the Spirit
gives them to complete the picture of our church.
Some have the gifts of public speaking and others a musical talent.
Others thrive when they are given the task of welcoming new
people and greeting while others love to teach or have a hospitality
leaning.
A thriving household needs all these to grow and nurture. Too many
people sit in the shadows feeling unworthy to share their gifts to
build the body of Christ.
It is important to reiterate once again that I am talking about church
as a gathering of God’s people and not a corporate entity. Clearly
the need for home church small groups and a more direct
relationship with each other and God through Jesus will become
more important.
Encouragement is a primary focus as we seek to grow each other.
Speaking in love with one another as we search for the fruits of the
spirit in each of us.
Some of the most innocuous talents have the most incredible
impacts in bringing people into fellowship.
There is a lady in our home church group who just loves to sit and
listen to people. They can poor out their inner most fears to her and
she just listens until they stop sharing and then encourages them.
People feel safe around her and she sustains the growth and
development of the group without realising it.
If she was asked what it is she contributes she would say nothing
without realising that the ripples in the pond from her impact on so
many extend beyond her wildest imaginings.
As you find your place remember that God will use you and equip
you to handle anything He puts on your heart to do.
The key is to listen to His still sweet small voice and then to step
out in faith.
Questions.
1. Is there a chance that you may have gifts you didn’t know you
had?
2. Do you have the courage to explore that with Jesus in prayer?
3. Are you ready to be used by Him to bring others to the
Kingdom?
Prayer.
Dear Lord, Papa God.
You know my heart and you know the gifts that you have given me.
Please help me to see them through your eyes and not through the
frosted lens of my own understanding. Papa I give myself to your
service in love of You and my brothers and sisters. Please use me
where you see fit in accordance with your will and equip me to deal
with what ever you might have me do. For this is my prayer in the
precious name of Jesus. Amen.
Have a great day today with Jesus.
Graham Hood.
