1 Chronicles 12:19-14:17 / Romans 1:1-17 / Psalm 9:13-20 / Proverbs 19:4-5
I talked a few days ago about friendship, and in that post, I talked about “givers” and “takers”. I assert we must be both, maybe not at the same moment in time, but as an overall picture we cannot be only one or the other or we will be out of balance. If we’re all “giving”, we will be empty. And if we’re all “taking” we will also be empty. You may disagree with that but if the richness is in giving, we are empty if we choose not to do so.
In Romans 1 Paul is excited to visit the Christians in Rome both because he wants to “bring some spiritual gift that will help (them) grow strong in the Lord” and because He “also wants to be encouraged by yours (faith).”
I love that the Apostle Paul does not think so highly of himself that he believes he is the only one who can give spiritual food and that he cannot also receive from those he wants to encourage. That’s the way it should be! And that is part of the deficit in some churches who believe only the leadership has truth to share.
We are all ministers of God’s Grace, and we must be always willing to share our gifts with everyone in the body of Christ, even and especially our leadership. We need you and you need us, whichever “camp” you’re in. Never let the congregant believe she or he has nothing to give. You have been given the same eternal life, the same Holy Spirit, the same opportunity to “bring some spiritual gift” as your leaders. Your role in the body may differ, but your value does not.
Your leader needs you! Whether pastor/teacher, prophet, evangelist, or apostle, we all need the strength, teaching and encouragement from those we have been blessed to have around us. Remember, it is God who brought us together because He knows we will bring value to one another’s lives!
If you’re the one who is hesitant to “speak up”, may I encourage you to prayerfully offer your gift to the body? When I say, “speak up”, I’m not referring only to those with gifts as speakers, what about the ones who speak by serving quietly? Also, with that, I must say that it’s the quiet ones who often have the deepest treasure that comes forth when pressed!
That is my son-in-law – he is reserved and quiet, but when he speaks, he brings wisdom from his many years of observing and learning. Maybe we should find that quiet friend and ask what they are thinking. I bet we’ll find great wealth there!
If you’re one who finds it hard to receive, pray to let that go! I am preaching to myself here because I’ve had to work at receiving. The thing that helped me most was to realize that my refusal to receive is robbing the giver of a blessing. If I’m wanting to bless others, that must include being willing to receive from them!
When you meet together with other believers, and I’m assuming you do since Hebrews 10:25 KJV tells us not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is, but exhorting one another and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching… remember to bring something to give. And no, I’m not speaking only of your money for tithing. I’m speaking of your gifts and your heart. It’s a brave thing indeed to bring one’s heart to give away to others because you may find your heart broken at times. But the Lord tells us simply to give. When you gather with your spiritual family, what gift will you take with you? I encourage you not to limit yourself to one or two possibilities. Ask the Lord what He would have you give. You may be surprised to hear Him tell you to give something you’ve never given before!
