1 Corinthians 12:24-31

Last week we ended with how each of us are placed where God assigned us, where He wanted. Just as God placed Esther in the palace as queen, He has placed you here at this time with your abilities, talents, and gifting. If you keep silent, if you don’t step out in faith, then you will never know the gift of unity we have within the Church and within this congregation. 

If you are keeping to yourself, not using your abilities and talents within your congregation, not stepping out in faith to discover your gifting, then all of the Church suffers, especially the congregation to which you belong. As I said last week, borrowing from Esther 4:14, relief and assistance will come, but you and those around you will miss the blessings. WE Have the gift of unity; it is ours as Christians, but we must take it and put it into practice within the congregation where we are assigned.

Our unity is found in Christ and it is formed and put into practice as the Church, as we commit our lives to Christ and His Church. But it is not always easy to be committed to others, to be a part of something we never had before, to be depended upon to do our part as others do theirs. 

We just don’t know how. Even if we read the instructions, (which many won’t) how do we put that knowledge into action? And more often than not we don’t want to follow the instructions given because they seem hard, and they are harder for some of us more than others. Think of the parable of the sower… good seed, bad soil… if the soil isn’t good… (Matthew 13:1-23).      

It is through and by the power of the Holy Spirt that is given to us (Romans 5:5) that we are unified. But we have to be willing. The body is paralyzed and unable to accomplish its calling when it is not in unity. We cannot have individuals, or groups, going in different directions or doing something that is not in line with the rest of the congregation. IF that is happening, that person or persons, is limiting and hindering the rest of the body from fulfilling God’s vision for that congregation. God expects a “single focus,” a pulling together in one accord; unity.

 As Christians, it is time for us to stop asking, “What’s in it for me?,” or, “What do I get out of it?,” or, for that matter, following our own agenda and plan. What we need to ask ourselves is, “How can I help do what God has planed for my congregation of His Church in reaching the lost?”

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 itself up in love by the proper working of each individual part.

Ephesians 4:15-16

No part is left behind, no part is unneeded; each and every part counts in the body of Christ, just like in a physical body

As Christians we must make every effort to do what we can to fulfill our calling and mission as part of the local church; each of you is gifted for the common good right where God has arranged for you to be. 

There is where your abilities, talents – and yes, your gifting, are needed. Seek to find your gifting, take a step of faith and help with the youth or the children’s program, come in and be a part of the outreach ministry by baking cookies or rolls for the coffee shop. Do your part and we can reach up and reach out as we are called to do! While your at it, you will be a witness for the Kingdom! We are each called to spread the Gospel!

Now is the time! God equips the called and you are called to be His Church right here, right now, for such a time as this. Now it is up to you, take your next step be a part of His Church!

Be here next week to find the most excellent way…

Digging Deeper:

• Are you wiling to commit to be a part of a local congregation of God’s Church?
• Are you willing to do your part as an active member of the Body?
• If not; what’s stopping you?

Further Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:7, 12, Esther 4:13-14, Romans 15:1-13, Galatians 5:13, Ephesians 4:1-16 (16), Colossians 3, Romans 12

Spiritual Gifts: Romans 12:3-10, 1 Corinthians 12:7-11, Ephesians 2:9-10, Ephesians 4:11-15