“Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them.” – Romans 12:6
Scripture reading: Romans 12:3-8
Growth in Christ-likeness means service, but where should we serve? There are several keys which help us answer this question that we hope to look at over the next few days.
The first key of service is to consider your gifts. Spiritual gifts are areas of ability and joy that God gives us in Christ. Service is never easy, as it always involves an element of dying to self in order to live for God (which we must do, because for us to live is Christ, Phil. 1:21!). We must not think of spiritual gifts as being areas of ease, or places of service that don’t call for sacrifice. Service is always tough, but spiritual gifts are areas where God has given us ability and where, as we live for him and die to ourselves, we find the joy of the Spirit (even when it’s tough).
Gifts of the Spirit are very diverse. It’s not just about reading our Bibles. Bezalel was anointed by the Spirit to be a great craftsman and builder who used his gifts for God’s glory (see Ex. 31:1-5). Romans 12 lists gifts like teaching, giving, leadership and mercy. Spiritual gifts can be seen in the ability to lead a good Bible study or give a good sermon, but they can also be seen in the kindness of a nurse or mother, or the excellence of an office administrator who does their work for God’s glory!
Where might you better use your gifts for God and His glory?
Suggestions for prayer
Ask God to help you appreciate and use the gifts He has given you.
Pastor Greg Bylsma is the pastor of the Living Water Reformed Church of Brantford, Ontario (a member church of the URCNA). He is a graduate of Mid-America Reformed Seminary and was ordained to the Gospel ministry in 2005. After over 20 years in the ministry, he still loves his job and considers it an incredible honour to be able to teach others about the beauty of Jesus Christ. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com.