You are gifted by God (2)

Don’t say, “I’m of no use to God” or “I’m not needed in the church” or “There’s no way God could use me.” You are gifted by God! You are called to use your gift to bless others, build up the church, and display His kingdom to a watching world. “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised” (1 Peter 4:10-11 NIV). Every Christian is a minister and has a ministry. The ministry of the church is to be carried out as individual believers exercise their spiritual gifts in ministering to one another. And to the extent that you don’t exercise your spiritual gift, you hinder the ministry of your church. And since the Holy Spirit decides which particular gift each of us receives, there’s no place for jealousy and competitiveness. Paul wrote, “For who makes you different from anyone else? [Obviously, the answer is God!] What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?” (1 Corinthians 4:7 NIV). Each of us is gifted differently, and each of us is gifted perfectly. The Holy Spirit in His divine wisdom has given to each of us the precise gift or gifts that will enable us to function most effectively in the body of Christ. So start using your gift today!