My Sisters and Brothers,

Today, after the service, we will celebrate and give God thanks for the gifts of the members who have given of themselves in serving on the church committee and for those who have offered themselves to serve this year.  Paul, in his first letter to the church at Corinth (12:1-11), reminds us that each member of the church has been given gifts that should be used to build the body of Christ and advance the Kingdom.

He describes the church as a body, with various parts performing different roles. This diversity of spiritual gifts is one of the main ways God uses to accomplish His purpose in and through everyone. So, each person is important and has a part to play in the Church, the Body of Christ, and is therefore challenged to make his/her gifts available to the church as a faithful steward.  The gifts that God has bestowed on the Christian are desired for three basic reasons according to theologian Kenneth Boa:

“You will be satisfied. Knowing and using your gifts will give you an understanding of the unique and indispensable ministry you have been called to accomplish in the body of Christ.  You will have a sense of fulfilment and joy in the service of others as you become an invaluable instrument through whom the Spirit can work.  In addition, knowledge of your spiritual gifts will greatly assist you in discerning and affirming the will of God at various points in your life.

Others will be edified. The primary purpose of the spiritual gifts is ecclesiastical: they are given to build up and purify the church as the body and bride of Christ.  If you fail to develop your gifts or let them decline through disuse, your brothers and sisters in Christ will be hurt because they will be deprived of the unique ministry that only you could perform in their lives.

God will be glorified. According to 1 Peter 4:10-11, your spiritual gifts are ultimately designed to bring glory to God. This is your highest calling.”

Whether we serve on the committee or not, we have been given gifts to be used in the building of the church and in advancing the kingdom of God, and each person is important and should be given an opportunity to serve.  Let us ask God to give us the discernment to make our gifts available to the church this year and always.

Thank you, Lord, for your many gifts.

Blessings!

Yours in Christ,

Patrick +