If we hold our breath on the topic of "spiritual gifts"... That's not breathing easier!
These gifts are given so we can bless others: much in keeping with us "giving thanks".
On Sunday nights, we heard a word on The Holy Spirit by J.R. Vassar, who pastors The Apostles Church in Manhattan. Pastor Vassar spoke about "that which is sensational, and that which is significant". The church in America needs that word today! So do I.
At Corinth, Paul paid more attention to spiritual formation than "special effects". He prayed that they might outgrow obsession with the sensational, and opt for what released the whole church for ministry. It wasn't the spiritual celebrities. In fact, Paul had critics at Corinth who thought him as dynamic as cold oatmeal. But note the truth he set on the table for them:
When you make choices about gifts and ministry "best",
Go for what's going to last. Go for what helps the Church fulfill it's design.
Go for that which develops & deploys the whole Body of Christ.
Maybe some of his principles help us choose which ministry projects we should pursue, and which options we shouldn't. Doing things decently and in order? If you are an emergency response worker, expect last-minute calls. But when someone neglects planning and asks your ministry to bail them out, is that really your emergency?
God gives His people a wide range of service abilities. How does that shape the volunteer options you choose? Is it God's call or someone else's you're thinking about?
And near the top of our list: if the Body of Christ exists to witness for Christ, choose ministries that give more opportunity to share our faith. It's good to serve side by side with others in your community, but it's better when you get to say "the love of Christ compels us."
These are a few thoughts on serving God and community, and helping one another fulfill God's Call.
What thoughts would you add?
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