How can you actively value different gifts in your church community today? Key Verse: 1 Corinthians 12:17 “If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be?” Why the Spirit Distributes Different Gifts - The body image underlines God’s intentional design (1 Corinthians 12:18). - Variety prevents spiritual stagnation (Ephesians 4:16). - Mutual dependence safeguards humility (Romans 12:5). Practical Ways to Actively Value Every Gift • Notice and name the gift – Publicly thank the person who quietly organizes sign-ups (1 Thessalonians 5:11). – Tell the young musician you see how God is using her creativity (Psalm 150:4). • Give platform space proportionate to contribution, not volume – Announce behind-the-scenes ministries during services. – Rotate testimonies so teachers, intercessors, administrators, and mercy-givers are all heard (1 Peter 4:10). • Invite gifted members into decision-making – Ask tech volunteers to speak when upgrading equipment. – Pull caregivers into conversations on benevolence funds (Acts 6:3-5). • Pair complementary gifts – An evangelist joins a hospitality team to follow up with guests (2 Timothy 4:5 + Romans 12:13). – A visionary elder meets monthly with accountants who keep dreams grounded (Proverbs 15:22). • Resource every ministry, not only the visible ones – Budget line items for prayer gatherings just as for worship sound. – Offer training stipends for children’s workers and mission teams alike (Galatians 6:6). • Celebrate fruit, not flash – Report salvation decisions and also quiet reconciliations (Luke 15:7; Matthew 5:9). – Share metrics on discipleship progress, not only event attendance. Guarding Against Common Pitfalls - Resisting comparison: “The eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I don’t need you’” (1 Corinthians 12:21). - Avoiding gift-projection: expecting everyone to serve exactly as you do (Romans 14:4). - Watching pride and false humility: each part “should have equal concern for one another” (1 Corinthians 12:25). Continual Growth in Valuing Gifts 1. Study gift passages together—1 Cor 12, Romans 12, Ephesians 4, 1 Peter 4. 2. Conduct an annual spiritual-gift inventory and reposition people as they mature. 3. Mentor emerging gifts; seasoned believers “entrust to faithful men” (2 Timothy 2:2). 4. Pray regularly that the Spirit “manifests for the common good” (1 Corinthians 12:7). Living the Lesson This Week - Speak appreciation to someone whose service rarely gets applause. - Offer tangible support (time, money, encouragement) to a ministry unlike your own. - Reflect nightly on how a different member’s gift blessed you that day. When every part is honored, “the whole body grows and builds itself up in love” (Ephesians 4:16). |
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