5 Days to Better Love Your Local Church نموونە

The church is not just for consumption. In fact, that is the most ineffective way to engage it. The greatest blessings that you’ll receive from being a part of a body of believers are typically a result of serving your brothers and sisters in Christ.

You were created with unique gifts, talents, and abilities, and when you were knit together in your mother’s womb, it was in this way that you became exactly what the body of believers needed. For the church to function the way it was intended, each part needs to be utilized so that we can further the gospel.

But what if I don’t know what my gifts are?

Great question!

Sometimes we are born with gifts that are easy to notice and even easier to use. A talented musician is obvious to anyone who can hear, and it’s clear that the worship team would be a good place to use that gift. But maybe what you have to offer isn’t so obvious. Or maybe what you think you have to offer isn’t the only way in which God wants to use you.

If you’re unsure of how God wants to use you in your local church, all you have to do is ask Him to open your eyes to the needs that are around you in the congregation of saints in which He’s placed you. Sometimes the best way to discover how to use your gifts in your local church is by trying out multiple roles.

And for those of you that believe you know exactly where you should serve, be careful, friend. It’s entirely possible God won’t always use the thing that you think you’re great at to serve the people you go to church with. Many times, we are pushed way out of our comfort zone for us, and others, to see God’s power on full display. Will it be hard? Yes. Will it be well worth it? Absolutely!

Father, thank You for Your church. Thank You for the incredible gift that it is. Please help me to love it the way You do, even when it's hard to love. Place me in the exact place You want me to be and use me in that place however You see fit. I pray for the leadership in my church, that You would give them wisdom to lead us, energy to show up when they’re tired, and joy that overflows so that they can love the body of believers You’ve entrusted to them well. Amen.