Different Gifts, One Purpose

“Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.”

I Corinthians 12:4-5

How many times have you felt the tug in your heart to volunteer or to help in some area of your church? You know you should answer the need or call but you feel like you aren’t qualified or are afraid to fail. Or maybe you just don’t want to. On the inside you are raising your hand to volunteer but on the outside, you sit quietly and don’t move.

“For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto,but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”

Mark 10:45

As Christians we are commanded to follow in Jesus’s footsteps. To strive to be more like Him. The Bible is very clear that Jesus did not think of Himself above others. Mark 10:45 clearly shows us that Jesus came not to be served or pampered, He came to serve others, and, in the end, He paid the ultimate price. For us! For you, for me. How can we hold back when we are commanded to serve?

“As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”

I Peter 4:10

So, you say, “I can’t do anything. I don’t have any talents.” Again, the Bible is very clear that we ALL have at least one gift to serve. Some, many gifts to share. What is holding you back? It isn’t a request. It’s a commandment. And when we refuse or decide not to serve, we are rebelling against God. Well, you say, “That is pretty harsh, isn’t it?” Is it? The Bible calls it sin. In James 4:17 it says, “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.” Don’t get mad at me. I didn’t say it, God did. You will have to answer to Him, not me or any other person. 

“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance:

for ye serve the Lord Christ.”

Colossians 3:23-24

Did you know that serving the Lord is an act of worship? We all should serve for one purpose. To further the gospel and to glorify our Father. Not for recognition or accolades. God will never ask us to do something without equipping and giving us the strength to do it. Reminds me of the quote, “Where God guides, He provides.” He will give you what you need to fulfill your calling. All He is waiting for from us, is our willingness to step out and say “yes, I will do whatever You ask of me.” You would be so surprised how God can use you and to what extent. You may be shocked to find that God can develop your “talents” into a vital part of ministry.

“Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us,”

Romans 12:6

Are all of our talents the same? Absolutely not. Look around your church and it won’t take long to see that some are called to sing, some teach, some preach, and many other ministries. Don’t try to fit into anyone else’s mold. Wait and seek God and He will make it very clear where He wants to us you. You just need to be willing to say yes, Lord. Did you know that God values all talents equally So, no talent or gift when used for the Lord is too small and we all can pray and be encouragers.

“Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.”

Psalm 110:2

Serving should not be an act of drudgery. We should serve with joy and gladness. Saying you cannot do something is not a valid excuse because God will not ask you to do something without equipping you with the tools to do it. So, NO excuses. The next time the Pastor or someone in ministry asks if you will help with something, say yes and serve the Lord with gladness and joy. You will be amazed at what you can accomplish for God’s glory. You just need to obey His call.

“And now, Israel, what doth the Lord thy God require of thee, but to fear the Lord thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul,”

Deuteronomy 10:12