3 Because of the privilege and authority[c] God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.[d] 4 Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, 5 so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.
6 In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. 7 If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. 8 If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.
5 comments:
TRM, we are praying for JS and the whole crew. OK, the first big question is how many of us are really honest in evaluating ourselves? Just being critical of yourself does not necessarily equate to an honest assessment. Do you think your wife or best friend would see things the same way? Anyway, what does everyone think there gift is? Some of you might say mine is militaristic-like encouragement :o) I will wear that like a BADGE of HONOR. I really love how this passage do not distinguish leadership as different than any other function required to keep the body going. True leadership is servant leadership right? I also thought it was interesting that Paul said to make sure to be glad when doing acts of kindness. Guess your heart needs to be in the right place and you are giving from Christ-like love.
Have a blessed day fellas,
cas
The thought occurred to me that in today's society we can be so focused on what others have both in terms of money and "gifts." We see someone's success and their gift and say to ourselves that if we have that particular gift that we would also be successful.
Not so, for each of us has been given a gift and it's up to us to use them in order to carry out God's will.
Love this passage!! How applicable to us today. Cant say that the Bible isn't relevant when it comes to these verses...CAS, to your question, I believe my gifts is of encouragement and service. Except I have to work on it at home. I have to make sure that I'm committed to encouraging my wife and kids in lieu of being primarily concerned of pushing my own agenda.
This passage also reminds me of 1 Corinthians 13, the Love Chapter. The point being that we if we dont live within the parameters of Love then it's all meaningless.
Thanks for the prayers, JS, seems to be doing very well right now. Has the big Shock test today to get his heart back in sync.
good comments guys. i have always loved this concept of USING your gifts and not letting them sit idle. what a waste to think GOd gives us a gift and we let it sit in the corner. that said, i know there are times when i dont use my gifts in the right ways or with love and in a joyful way. so i know i have some work to do.
Serving others, for sure, and something I enjoy immensely. Praying for JS and hoping he gets home soon to get some much needed rest.
tba
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