Are you using your gifts effectively?

Have you ever hurt your finger, a dominate hand, an arm, a knee, etc.? I am very sorry if you have as it can be very difficult to heal with a potential cast, surgery, and even physical therapy.

However, if any of those things are injured, the other parts of the body begin to act differently to compensate for the lacking functionality of the injured parts. This compensation can be in the form of how a glass or mug is picked up. It can be trying to write with a non-dominant hand. It can be the other leg working harder to offset the lack of function in the injured leg. The body has to adapt to that. Writing, lifting, or walking to compensate for the shortage.

This scenario mirrors what we are told about the body of Christ Jesus. For example, in Romans 12:4-5, we read,
4 For just as we have many parts in one body and all the body’s parts do not have the same function,

5 so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually parts of one another.

Every person fills a function in the body of Christ Jesus. Every function is important, and every person must step up and execute their responsibility to fill that role.
Verses 6-8 describe what those roles are,

6 However, since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to use them properly: if prophecy, in proportion to one’s faith;

7 if service, in the act of serving; or the one who teaches, in the act of teaching;

8 or the one who exhorts, in the work of exhortation; the one who gives, with generosity; the one who is in leadership, with diligence; the one who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

Verse 10-11 has conviction about this too,
10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor,

11 not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;

Ever heard of 20% of the people do 80% of the work? Do not choose to be the 80% who lag in diligence and not being fervent in spirit, serving the Lord. Your lack of urgency to take part in the body of Christ Jesus has repercussions to both you and the effort others put in themselves. Choose to be an active part of the body of Christ Jesus. Find your calling, administer it with fervent passion to lift a fellow brother or sister up. Pray for them. Serve them. Love them.

As verse 18 directs,
If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all people.

This peace, God’s peace, is the peace we should pursue every waking moment as we fill our role in the body of Christ Jesus.

For additional questions or to schedule a complimentary discussion on how you can identify and utilize your gifts and talents to maximize potential and impact, please email me at coach@maximizeu.life