Church Gifts

   What makes a church good? It is always the people. Church, “ἐκκλησία” (ekklesia) is defined as people who have been called out from the world, followers of God. John the Apostle says these people have been ransomed by God “from every tribe and language and people and nation, and … have been made a kingdom and priests by our God.” (Rev 5:9-10)
   Priests do not sit in pews. They do not hide in their communities. They make their faith known through acts of service.
   The Bible teaches God gives spiritual gifts for serving to every member of His church, (ἐκκλησία). These are for serving, do you know your Spiritual Gift?
   The Bible contains several lists of the gifts of Spiritual Service, but the best place to start on this topic is observation. Who are the people who make the most difference in your life? What is the “special thing” they do that makes that difference? That is their Spiritual Gift. Spiritual Gifts come naturally, sometimes without our even knowing they exist. But when we do know they exist and the nature of our Spiritual Gift, it is powerful! It is a blessing to others … and a blessing to ourselves because we are acting in the center of God’s will.
   As you observe believers with Spiritual Gifts, don’t just look for the obvious. Everyone knows the Pastor and the Minister of Music have Spiritual Gifts, and serve. Look for the Ushers, Greeters, the Sound people, and those who decorate the church. Who teachers your Sunday School class? Does your class have others who share their Spiritual Gifts? Those who keep records, organize parties, invite outsiders, visit the sick, bring refreshments, make the coffee? These are Spiritual Gifts, What is your’s? Are you supposed to fill a gap. You probably know it is there, because your Spiritual Gift makes you see what task is not being done?
   In your observation of Spiritual Gifts look in other places also. Who serves the children in your church? Who does the …. You know what this task is … make sure you thank them for serving. And make sure you serve yourself. God does not create pew warmers.