Spiritual Gifts and Taking Risks | Frances Fernandez
“For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ, we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; it if is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.”
Romans 12: 3-8
Paul describes 7 spiritual gifts, distributed to different members in the body of Christ. Like any good leader, he recognizes his role as a broker as you would, of gifts, talents and resources. And he urges everyone to discover, develop, and distribute his, her or their gift.
Every resource God provides should be in use. Every believer is a steward of the abilities he, she or they have been given. The gifts here mentioned, represent motivational gifts. As members of our Adult Education Ministry Group, we have been tasked with not only identifying those needs in our congregation, but identifying within ourselves what gifts God has granted each of us. How effective we are in finding our own strengths and using those collectively and cohesively will determine how we can transform ourselves and our brothers and sisters. Both within our church, and those that are not.
How do we effectively prophecy if we don’t challenge others by declaring God’s truth and calling for action?
Do we really meet the needs of others when we say we serve – or are we meeting our own needs or those of the few?
When we read the Bible and when we read the news – how do we explain the truths so that others can understand?
How do we encourage, strengthen and inspire others to be their best? To serve Christ?
Do we give generously? Do we give of ourselves, our time, our gifts or are we simply putting a check in the envelope?
What effect can we make as a ministry to oversee others in a sense so that the groups move forward? Do we even dare be that bold?
And how well do we empathize and show compassion to those who hurt?
We recently had a great opportunity to spread knowledge, compassion, encouragement, share truths, meet the needs of others and call for action. I’m referring to the two Sunday educational talks we had on mental health and mental illness.
Why are we not brave enough to push the envelope? To spread the messages of need, calls for action and compassion? What are we afraid of?
What are we afraid of?
We know we are living in a very chaotic world and we all have our struggles. But God has guided each one of us to be here in this ministry for a reason and for different gifts we bring. Let’s recognize those gifts, let’s encourage one another and let’s spread the knowledge and compassion so that we can continue to bring difficult conversations to not just our classrooms and fellowship hall, but to our sanctuary as well.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go”.
Joshua 1:9
Joshua was strong and courageous – he took risks and was bold during difficult times. We too can be like Joshua. Together, we can encourage each other. Together with God.
