As we look toward 2022 and what God has for us, we can be assured of one thing:
For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Romans 12:4-5
After our recent Vision 2022 meeting, it was observed that one of the themes of the Q and A was that people in the body want to be involved. This is absolutely appropriate and biblical, as expressed by Paul in the verses above.
But how do we sort out what the functions are? Paul goes on to give us a hint of the practical implications:
Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them. Romans 12:6a
Okay, so looking forward to 2022 and beyond, Paul tells us that an integral part of being a body of believers is that we are letting each other use our gifts. Note again Paul’s wording, “let us use them.” Why wouldn’t he just say, “use them”?
I think you can easily answer that question. You know how irritating it is to have members of the body that don’t have the same function, right? My wife has the gift of prophecy.
Description: The ability to recognize (and a driving force to confront) the sinful behavior of individuals, groups and/or cultures—and the ability to perceive implications and consequences of current actions. (From Exploring Your Life Purpose)
Do you think it’s easy for me to let her use her gifts? Do you think that she has to be careful to exercise her gift in love and grace?
Thankfully, she also has the gift of mercy, which I welcome with open arms, of course.
Description: The ability to perceive the hurts of people and console them without condemnation.
Interestingly, Paul goes on to list several of the gifts that are very different from each other, as if to say, this won’t be easy. You need to use faith and grace.
…if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. Romans 12:6b-8
As we move forward, it would be good if all of us considered what gifts we have, “according to the grace given us.” As important, it would be good if each of us let others use their gifts.
This, all in light of verse 3:
For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.
To help us humbly consider these things, we recommend that you download the PDF that the Navigators have graciously provided at https://www.navigators.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Exploring
Go to the section on Spiritual Gifts (pp. 31-46) and review the lists on pages 33-41.
And let’s apply these gifts in the ways that Paul exhorts us to in verses nine and following:
- Let love be genuine
- Abhor what is evil
- Hold fast to what is good
- Love one another with brotherly affection
- Outdo one another in showing honor
- Do not be slothful in zeal
- Be fervent in spirit
- Serve the Lord
- Rejoice in hope
- Be patient in tribulation
- Be constant in prayer
- Contribute to the needs of the saints
- Seek to show hospitality
Kent Johnson uses his gifts of service to mix the pancakes for the men Thursday morning.