“For the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” Ephesians 4:12-13 NKJV
Spiritual gifts are given with a divine purpose—to serve. They are not for personal gain but for the strengthening and edification of the body of Christ. When we use our gifts in service, we align with God’s plan, becoming instruments of His love and grace. However, when we neglect these gifts, we hinder our spiritual growth and the miraculous in the church.
Paul reminds us, “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all” (1 Corinthians 12:7). Every believer has the Spirit of God working in them, hence, you have a spiritual gift. This gift was given to serve others and not yourself. Peter reinforces this truth by saying: “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God” (1 Peter 4:10). When we serve through our gifts, we allow ourselves to become vessels of God.
While Jesus was on earth, He exercised spiritual gifts, not for self-glorification but for others. He healed the sick, delivered the oppressed, cast out devils. Moreover, when the devil knew Jesus was hungry, he tempted Him to turn stone into bread, but Jesus declined (Matthew 4:1-11). Yet, when 5,000 people needed to eat, Jesus performed a miracle by feeding them with only five loaves and two fish (Matthew 14:16-21).
Spiritual gifts are effective means for evangelism. Thus, “Whoever serves, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 4:11). Our gifts, entrusted to us, are meant to bring glory to God, not to elevate ourselves.
The church is the body of Christ, and each believer plays a crucial role. Just as a body functions best when all its parts work in harmony, the church thrives when every member exercises their spiritual gifts (Ephesians 4:16). When we faithfully use our gifts, we contribute to the growth of the church.
Spiritual gifts are not for self-preservation, but sacred responsibilities. They are entrusted to us for the sake of service. As we serve, we do the will of God by using our spiritual gifts in love. In the end, everything we do with our gifts should point back to Him.
“To Him belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen” (1 Peter 4:11).
Bible Reading Plan: Deuteronomy 29-30; Acts 21:1-21