Journey: A New Believer's Guide to Spiritual GrowthSample

Made to Work Together

If you’ve ever been camping or hiking with a group you can always see who people really are. You usually see some things that they're good at, and how they act when they are worn out. You usually have the “fire guy.” It’s the dude who always knows how to start a fire. You usually have the “cook” -- the person who can tell you how to cook a steak to perfection. Then you have a person who suggests one crazy idea after another. You have the safety person who follows the rules and complains about the crazy idea person!

Then there’s the person who always seems to know everything about nature, teaching everyone else all the different kinds of trees, plants, and animals around them. What makes those camping trips so amazing is everyone using their gifts and passions to help the group as a whole. 

This is exactly what God wants us to do in the Church. The Bible talks about it in detail in 1 Corinthians 12. This passage talks about how a group of Christians who gather is like a human body. There are all kinds of different parts of the body that serve different functions, so it is with the Church. 

You have a gift-- it’s not just for you. It’s to encourage another Christian in their faith. As each person brings their gift to the group, the whole benefits. Each of us using our gifts for the benefit of others is an expression of love. That’s why the very next chapter in 1 Corinthians 13, is all about love! How are you using your gifts to serve others? 

You might have extra time to lend a hand or administrative skills, or you might be really friendly, or you might like teaching others about the Bible, or you might like meeting care needs. Maybe you have multiple gifts. Either way, you have a gift and God wants you to use it to bless others!

CHALLENGE

Think about the things that come easily to you. What are the things others tell you you’re good at? Write those down. Then ask God: How can I use this to bless others? Ask your Small Group Leader or Pastor about opportunities that align with your gifting. Then start serving and watch God use you!