Alphabet Soup: Serve God with Your Gifting

By Bryan Tay

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. — 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)

It is more blessed to give than to receive. God has given gifts and talents to each of us. No one is left out. We are members of ONE body of Christ. No one can claim to be more important than any others because each of us has our strengths and limitations. We work together as His living channels and instruments of honour to reach out to those in need with God’s love in tangible ways.

Our Lord Jesus led by example – He came into the world not to be served but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for the world. He even washed His disciples’ feet. He expects us to follow His example and be accountable for the gifts and talents that He has bestowed on us. He does not demand from us what we are not capable of. He only expects us to do our best with what He has given us.

What does God say about this?

We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. Romans 12:6-8 (NIV)

So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up. Ephesians 4:11,12 (NIV)

Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 1 Corinthians 12:27 (NIV)

What does this mean for practical living?

Start doing something! Avoid listening to the devil’s lies that you cannot contribute anything because you are not as talented as Mr. So-and-so. God does not expect us to do what we cannot do. He is more interested in our availability rather than our ability. If you do not know where or how to start, talk to your pastor, church ministry leaders or a church member serving in a particular ministry. Somebody will be able to direct you to the right person for a fruitful conversation.

You can start serving in these ways: Do you what you are good at, share what you are passionate about or sign-up for something that you wish to learn and eventually contribute. God has given everyone talents and gifts, no matter big or small. You can give time, energy, material resources or money to support all the church’s work in fulfilling the Great Commission.

Reflect and respond to God’s Word

• What are your reasons for not availing yourself to contribute to God’s work via your local church? Or perhaps you have served God faithfully but feel fatigued/burnt out. How would you hold a conversation with God about this?
• What are the things that you can do well, are passionate about or prepared to learn?
• Seek out somebody in church to start a conversation on how you can start/continue serving God with your gifts and talents.