Consider…
There are any number of things we can or could be doing, good things, at church, home, or work. Occasionally, the task at hand simply requires a warm body to be completed. Not every chore needs to be done by a servant of the Lord with an “anointing from on high”. Anybody can change the oil in a widow’s car, power wash a driveway, or prepare a meal, to name a few examples. All Christians are called to go and make disciples (Mat. 28:19-20), for instance. But there are Kingdom building works that will be performed best by those with the attendant spiritual gift or gifts. You or I may have the capacity to accomplish a ministry need, but the body of Christ functions better when we are serving according to the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Not only that, but we may inadvertently be keeping someone who is better equipped or gifted from edifying the church when we do something that they should do. (1 Cor. 12:4-7,12-14)
Pray…
My Father, by Your Spirit’s filling, empower me to glorify You as I serve according to the gifts You have given me. Show me Your grace at work in others, and use me to encourage them to strengthen the body of Christ as they serve according to the gifts You’ve given them. (1 Pet. 4:10-11) Above all things, help me to do everything in love, which is the more excellent way. (1 Cor. 12:31,13:13)
In the name of Jesus, Amen.
Using Something In A Way Not Necessarily Intended…
This may appear to my fellow Starbucksophiles as the lid stopper in your morning coffee. I guess. The reason I have this one nearby is not because I’m at Starbucks, but because it makes a dandy earwax remover. The more you know. BTW, I’d appreciate you not telling my ENT doc if you see her. Thanks!