Romans 12:4-8
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 who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.
Devotion
Once again, we see that Paul likens the church to the human body. This time he gives more details to what the “parts” of the Body look like. In this text, we see that God graciously gives ministry abilities, “spiritual gifts,” so that every believer can make a valued contribution to the health of the whole Body. The church actually functions as the Body of Christ when each person seeks to know and function in accordance with their role assigned by God.
Sometimes we struggle to find our place in the church because we are not sure how God has uniquely shaped us for ministry. This can lead to discouragement and disillusionment. Many times in ministry, I have observed people serving in positions that they were not suited for. Spiritual gifts are not natural talents or abilities. Instead, they are special gifts given by God with the purpose of building and strengthening other believers. When a church is functioning with all the spiritual gifts in operation, it extends the influence of the church to an unbelieving world.
If you have not discovered your spiritual DNA, I would encourage you to go to giftstest.com and begin the process of discovering how God has uniquely shaped you for ministry. Once you realize your unique spiritual fingerprint, you will be better equipped to function in the Body as God designed.
The Big Question
How has God gifted you spiritually? In what ways are you serving in the church? How are you using your God-given talents and spiritual gifts to build up the church? What did Paul mean when he wrote, “each member belongs to all the others”? How have you been impacted by the spiritual gift of others?
Spend some time in prayer meditating on what God revealed to you today.