Gifted and Unified

For just as we have many parts in one body and all the body’s parts do not have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually parts of one another. However, since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to use them properly: if prophecy, in proportion to one’s faith; if service, in the act of serving; or the one who teaches, in the act of teaching; or the one who exhorts, in the work of exhortation; the one who gives, with generosity; the one who is in leadership, with diligence; the one who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. Romans 12:4-8

Romans 12 displays seven gifts that God has placed in us that invites unity. God has placed gifts in us to partner with others, not build silos or walls. Verse 6 says, “However, since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to use them properly:” Paul echoes the same heart in 1 Corinthians 12 about many members but we are all one body. It seems the only reason Paul needed to voice that to the churches because it seems division must have taken place.

Here he provides diversity and unity all at the same time. If everyone operated in how they are gifted and brought that to the table, the gate of hell would not prevail. The church would become a strong current that impedes darkness. Pastor Waynes says this, “when everyone is operating fully in what they are gifted in, they would have maximum efficiency and minimum weariness.”

APPLICATION:

I don’t think God is looking for perfect people to do His church perfectly. I believe He is looking for his sons and daughter who are functioning in what they have been gifted with, working together as one.  We can cause all types of division in the church by looking only through the lens of our  own gifts thinking, my gift is the most prominent one. It can cause us to look into someone else’s lane and nip pick what they are doing wrong or they should be more like this. Yet God's beautiful plan for his church  is to see diverse people coming together with their gifts to reach, build and impact  the world. But sometimes we can be heroes playing a villain game and it brings Satan joy when he sees the family of God divided.

An encouragement and charge for you today is knowing that you are gifted. There is no doubt about that. God has a purpose for you! What a great discovery it can be when you realize prophecy, service, teaching, exhortation, giving, leadership and mercy is one the gifts God has graced you. Secondly, it is a template to who we need on our team. Imagine if we only invited prophetic people on our team. We would have a great time just chattering about the purposes of God but we would not accomplish much, if we don’t Invite those who have a gift of service who puts things into actions, or someone who has a gift of teaching, who can equip people or leadership gifts who can organize and lead. Every gift is important!

Now, I am not much of a sports person but I do watch here and there. I think one of the greatest anticipation is when the NFL or the NBA are drafting players. Coaches are looking for skillful players. God too is looking for His gifted sons and daughters who want to play together on His team. May today be the day you discover how God has wired you and how He will utilize you on His team.