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For
by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of
yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself
with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed
to each of you. For just as each of us has one body with many
members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in
Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all
the others. 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
12:3-8 (TNIV).
Dear
Saints:
Since
coming to St. Matthew two-and-a-half years ago, I've sought to
emphasize the uniqueness of each member's spiritual gifts, and the
importance of knowing and using them in ways that will be effective
in service to our congregation and surrounding community. Once again
this year, as in the past, there will be positions available on our
Congregational Council. And once again, as in former years, we have
many gifted and talented men and women here at St. Matthew who desire
to serve God through the church. In this we are truly blessed.
The
apostle Paul was eager to let his readers in Rome know that God
gives different gifts to people in varying measures to enhance the
life and ministry of the church. God does this for a reason, I
believe. He wants us to function well - like a car running on all cylinders.
So,
as we consider how God can use us, we may want to ask ourselves some
questions: What are our gifts and abilities anyway? What are our
interests? Will I be able to relate well to, and support, my
colleagues in ministry? Do I have a passion for what I'm volunteering
to do?
I
recently spoke with one of our members who, I believe, would be a
real asset to Council, but they thought otherwise—not because
they didn't believe they could "do the job" (Many people
can perform the necessary tasks.)—but because they were
convinced that, at this time, God would rather have them use their
gifts elsewhere in the church. I respect that attitude, for it
reflects the personal discernment and humility that Paul says is
needed on the part of individual members if we are to be effective on
a corporate level as the body of Christ.
With
this in mind, I want, first, to thank everyone who has volunteered
to run for Council. Your willingness to run serves as an example for
us all. Next, I want to encourage each of you to follow the example
of the member above—to ask yourself the questions listed above
and pray for God's leading. Finally, I ask the rest of our
congregation to be in prayer for these people (and others yet
unknown) as they seek to discern God's call to service. And may God
richly bless us!
Your
co-worker in Christ,
Pastor
Larry |
