Spiritual Gifts . . . A Divine Design
Week 39, Wednesday
Rhonda Kelley
And He personally gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, for the training of the saints in the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ, until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of God’s Son, [growing] into a mature man with a stature measured by Christ’s fullness. Then we will no longer be little children, tossed by the waves and blown around by every wind of teaching, by human cunning with cleverness in the techniques of deceit. But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into Him who is the head—Christ. From Him the whole body, fitted and knit together by every supporting ligament, promotes the growth of the body for building up itself in love by the proper working of each individual part. Ephesians 4:11-16 (hcsb)
“If only I could speak, teach, or sing like her, the Lord could really use me.” Many of us compare ourselves to other gifted Christians and think we are less qualified for ministry. Why are we gifted differently? Why are we even gifted? I have known many gifted, godly women and have desired to be like them. Why didn’t God make me more talented, hospitable, or gracious? The Lord often reminds me, “I made you to be you to fulfill My purposes.” I am God’s divine design!
The Lord gifts each of us uniquely to fit us into His divine design. Ephesians 4:11-16 not only lists several functions of spiritual gifts, it clarifies why Christians are given spiritual gifts. Spiritual gifts are given to believers for the training of the saints in the work of ministry and to build up the body of Christ until maturity. Without spiritual gifts, Christians would be untrained and ineffective. Without spiritual gifts, the body of Christ would be immature and undeveloped. Spiritual gifts develop a Christian personally and strengthen the body of believers corporately when used according to His purpose.
Why do you think God has gifted you? What happens in your own life as you use your God-given spiritual gifts? And what is stimulated in the lives of others when you minister to them through your spiritual gifts? Though God could fulfill all His purposes through His sovereign power alone, He has designed and created us to be used for His kingdom purposes.
Dear Lord, You are the Designer and I am Your design. You have created me and gifted me for a purpose. Teach me to use your grace gifts as a ministry to others, and be patient with me when I try to design myself. In Your precious name, amen.
