Perfectly You DevotionalShembull

Day 5 - Content in Ministry and Growing as a Couple

Life was good at Hope Chapel Kaneohe Bay because I grew spiritually as a leader and as a wife and mother. Both of our ministries were flourishing, and we were growing as senior leaders in the church. I believe that when God calls a couple to be married, He is joining two people with different gifts and talents. We both can accomplish great things for the Lord individually, but together, it’s even better.

It is always better when we do life together. We all need people in our lives who will invest their wisdom and time to help us. In fact, as we learn from other spiritual mentors, God equips us to use our gifts and talents to disciple others.

First of all, you have to know what your gifts are. Not all of us are called to lead, teach or pastor. All gifts work together for the body of Christ. Once you know and understand how to use your gifts, you operate in them. Of course, God made women and men very differently. While we acknowledge our differences, we must also be certain that we understand each others’ callings. We can become the greatest cheerleaders for others when we honor their gifts.

As you begin to operate in your gifts and calling, you will need to set priorities. Make certain that you always take care of your family first and make ministry secondary to your family. Learn to balance your life by managing your heart instead of just your calendar. 

Some of you may have the gifts of leadership, administration and wisdom, while others have gifts of pastoring, teaching and evangelizing. We should always do our best in what God calls us to do. But are we doing our best in encouraging others to succeed? It is important that we do not ever let our hearts become bitter or jealous toward another’s calling or gifting. If we fall into the trap of comparing our gifts to others, we will fail in becoming the best encouragers for one other.