If The Gift Is

This list is not all exclusive but a good place to start.

Romans 12:6-8 – And we have different gifts according to the grace given to us. If the gift is prophecy, that individual must use it in proportion to his faith. If it is service, he must serve; if it is teaching, he must teach; if it is exhortation, he must exhort; if it is contributing, he must do so with sincerity; if it is leadership, he must do so with diligence; if it is showing mercy, he must do so with cheerfulness.

Prophecy.  Service.  Teaching.  Exhortation.  Contributing.  Leadership.  Mercy.  Do I have to be limited to just one?

Speaking the Word to people through prophecy would be an amazing gift.  To listen to a pastor preach with passion.  To hear the sincerity in his voice as he proclaims the Word of God.

To serve all of God’s children – the elect and non alike.  To love them and share His love for them through our service.

Teaching the Word may not be your gift but sharing God’s Word with others and how God is using it in our lives is one of the responsibilities of the elect.  This is really not limited to preachers and priests because all the elect were called to make disciples of the nations and teach them to obey everything Jesus commanded (Matthew 28:19-20).  So I have to be diligent while I study the Word and in prayer, having faith that the Holy Spirit will guide me with the right words to say to influence others.

Exhortation is always fun.  Pleading with the elect to do what God calls them to do.  It is also gets discouraging when we do not see them being transformed in the manner we believe they should.  But we have to realize that God has a plan for His elect.  I believe all the elect are called to exhort.  Sometimes you do this gently and other times firmly.  And we are all called to accept exhortation as long as it falls in line with God’s Word.

Are all the elect called to contribute?  I’m reminded of 2 Corinthians 8 where the elect gave beyond their means.  And they did it joyfully.  It makes my heart ache when I realize that I do not always give like this.  My giving is joyful and not grudging but not always sacrificial.

And as we do these things are we not actually leading by example?  Are we not only showing people with our words but also our deeds?  This is what we are called to do by the grace given to us by God.  To draw upon the Spirit and utilize the gifts He has given us.  Knowing that all good things come from our Father above.

When the Word becomes alive in your very soul it is impossible to contain.