Every Gift has a Job

Goodness gracious, sakes alive, friend, come on over here and sit for a little spell ‘a-fore that wide-eyed, sneaky raccoon circlin’ the porch decides you just might look like somebody who might drop some of that popcorn you’re muchin’ on. We’re about to meander into a truth steadier than a river rock that has not budged an inch since your granddaddy was a boy. First Corinthians 12:11 tells us, “But one and the same Spirit works all these spiritual gifts, distributing to each one individually as He wills.” That means God hands out gifts the way a wise farmer hands out chores. Everybody gets somethin’, and nobody gets everything.

Paul must have known we would need a picture, so in Romans 12:3-8 he compares the Church to a human body. One body, many parts, each with its own job. Just like a barnyard full of creatures, every one of them has a purpose. The rooster wakes the farm. The cows give milk. The goats escape their pen just to keep you humble. And the hoot owls in the woods keep watch at night like feathery security guards. Not one of them tries to do the other’s job. Can you imagine a rooster tryin’ to give milk? Friend, that would certainly confuse everybody.

Paul says the same thing about us. Some teach. Some encourage. Some give. Some lead. Some show mercy. And all of it matters. God never intended His Church to be a one trick pony. He built it like a whole barn full of gifts, each one needed, each one chosen, each one placed exactly where He wants it.

And here is the part that gets me every time. God did not hand out these gifts so we could admire ourselves like a peacock struttin’ in front of a shiny hubcap. He gave them to us so we could serve one another. Lift one another. Strengthen one another. The Body of Christ works best when every part shows up and does what it was made to do.

Father, thank You for the gifts You placed in me. Help me use them faithfully, humbly, and joyfully. Show me where to serve and how to bless others with each gift. Make me a willing part of Your Body today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Ok, now, friend, as you journey right back on into the rest of your day like a tiny field sparrow flyin’ off with a piece of twine he is convinced will make the perfect nest, don’t forget that God did not forget you when He handed out gifts. He placed something in you that the rest of us really do need. When you use it, the whole Body grows stronger. When you hold it back, we all limp a little. So, boldly step up, lean in, and let the Spirit use what He planted in you for His glory.

With joy,

Gwen