No Christian is an island. Romans 12.4-8

No man is an island entire of itself.1 Certainly, no Christian is an island, entire of himself. Indeed, we are called to be transformed individuals . . . but we are meant to behave as one body, interrelated in Christ.

As the apostle Paul continues to explain Christianity to the church at Rome, he illustrates the interconnectedness of believers:

“Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a specific function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.

In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.” Romans 12.4-8, NLT

Gifts? Yes, you were given a spiritual gift, (at least one), at the time you made Jesus the leader of your life. This is not the first time Paul has taught on the subject. When we studied his first letter to the church at Corinth, Paul gave greater detail about the various gifts, their function, purpose and order in the church in 1 Corinthians 12-14. (again, archived on http://www.facebook.com/l/MAQAzhH7gAQDPz7YOrzMTBiB3ZVhm0B_5UY2J1n3Mi9noVg/www.pastorwoman.com)

Paul seems to be saying, ‘Hey, no one of you can do it all, nor should you! Do you not remember the lessons of our brothers in the first church in Jerusalem? Within just a short time of their coming together—you know, after Jesus ascended into Heaven, having told his disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the coming of the Holy Spirit--the need was seen for total participation in the work of the ministry. Why, everyone was meant to play a role!’ The same is true of the family of God today—we are all to take a part in the ministry of the Gospel. Our part should employ our God-given gifts….

Yes, you and I are meant to behave as one body, interrelated in Christ … and what’s more, we individually realize our highest purpose when we exercise our spiritual gifts to build the body of Jesus Christ! Simply, salvation -> filled with the Spirit -> gift utilized =dynamic, purposeful life

What’s your gift? You have one, you know. Knowing your spiritual gift and engaging it has the potential to positively impact and bless others, but also to radically change your own life! What is meant by the individual gifts Paul listed here in Romans chapter 12? Take a look:

The ability to prophesy-which includes foretelling (prediction of future events) as well as forth-telling—(communicating God’s will for present circumstances);

If your gift is serving others- it comes natural for you to serve God by serving others;

If you are a teacher – you impart knowledge, are diligent to study, and guide others in the truths of God’s Word, and others are able to learn and receive from you;

If your gift is to encourage others– also called exhortation—building others up and motivating them;

If it is giving – you have the capacity and desire to give your material resources to God’s work;

If God has given you leadership ability – you have the ability to steer the ship … to see what needs to be done, and organize folks to get it done—also includes vision for where the ship needs to go!

If you have a gift of showing kindness – or give mercy; you have a compassionate, empathetic heart to come alongside those who need comfort or companionship.2

May I ask you again, ‘what is your spiritual gift, my friend—that one thing you do well for God?’ Are you unsure? You can take a “Spiritual Gifts Survey”: http://www.facebook.com/l/jAQDPnzaSAQDEIm_cx_o37IYRTASCO9oFxv86lQuurC75qA/www.lifeway.com There are no right or wrong answers, just clarification, and it is really interesting.

The Body of Christ needs you, just as you need the body of Christ. Why? Because no man is an island, much less, no Christian.

Christine!

1 John Donne

2 http://www.facebook.com/l/3AQB_6RxdAQAp2F2Mcjcl0PAxf5M8w2i5CFKaTVE78TtCSg/www.churchgrowth.org/giftslist.php - I really liked the easy-to-understand description of spiritual gifts www.pastorwoman.com/" style="color: #3b5998; text-decoration: none;">

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