My church has been discussing for the past weeks what it means to be stronger. Stronger parent, spouse, church, etc. Recently, a point in a sermon resonated with me. “Your part should serve the bigger purpose.”
This simple statement really stuck with me for some reason. Each person has a gift that they can bring to the table. Each person in the church has a role to play. You may not like the role, but for a season would you be willing to use your gift to fill that role?
I’m not really a kid person. I fully understand that I was one at some point, but I just don’t get the tiny people not speaking in full sentences. Our children’s church is exploding with needs. My pastor pulled me aside and asked if I’d be willing to work in the children’s area. I’m guessing from the look of horror that crossed my face he understood that wouldn’t be my preference.
He gave me a hug and said what about instead of interacting with them in the rooms you checked on the kids? “Tiff you just have a gift for details, and you’d be great at this.” I told him I’d think about it. Thirty minutes later the sermon is all about creating the strongest church possible through using the strengths and gifts of its people.
My skill of being detail oriented suddenly becomes incredibly valuable to greet the parents and get all the correct details needed without actually having to change a diaper or chase tiny non-speaking toddlers around. Throughout this experience, God kept prompting me to use the gifts of which He has blessed me.
More than 50 times in the New Testament we are told to love, grieve with, serve, pray for, and care for one another. Because I can use my talents, a mom or dad has the opportunity to sink into the Word and worship during the service. They don’t have to be worried about their children because I used my talents to get all the needed info to contact them.
Each person has gifts. Each person has a role to fill. Sometimes we don’t even have to like the role that we’re being asked to fill, but it’s really hard to argue with God. In the end He always knows best!
2 Tim. 1:6-7 “For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”
What gift should you be using? What role should you be open to filling?