GIFTS

 “They distributed the gifts to all males three years old or older, regardless of their place in the genealogical records. The distribution went to all who would come to the Lord’s Temple to perform their daily duties according to their divisions. They distributed gifts to the priests who were listed by their families in the genealogical records, and to the Levites twenty years old or older who were listed according to their jobs and their divisions.” ‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭31:16-17‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Generational

Impartations

Fulfilling 

Traditional 

Servanthood

    We believe God called and equipped His servants from the beginning, but do we believe He is still giving generational gifts? Is God still calling families into specific areas of ministry? Experiencing giftedness in ministry, or believing that only certain people are called brings us into the dangerous territory of neglect. Yes, God works through families. Yes, He calls and supplies gifts for service, but being called is not an exclusive, members only club. God’s power is given to individuals when they recognize and answer His call by stepping out in faith.

“Teach these things and insist that everyone learn them. Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received through the prophecy spoken over you when the elders of the church laid their hands on you. Give your complete attention to these matters. Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress.” ‭1 Timothy‬ ‭4:11-12, 14-15‬ ‭NLT‬‬

    Gifts are specific to the person and to the task. We can only use the gifts we are given. In my lifetime I’ve seen spiritual gifts abused, misused, and often misunderstood. Most of these problems have been the result of people not honoring their gift and trying to manipulate the gifts given to others. We are all human. We all see how God uses others and, at times, wish we could do what they do; but God chooses our gifts. They are all meant to work in harmony through the power of His love.

“But God’s truth stands firm like a foundation stone with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and “All who belong to the Lord must turn away from evil.” In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday use. If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work.” 2 Timothy‬ ‭2:19-21‬ ‭NLT‬‬

    The value of the gifts we have is not something to be measured, or treasured by us. The value of any gift is in its usefulness. God grants us the abilities to employ the right gift at the proper time fulfilling His glorious outcome.

“There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us. A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭12:4, 6-7‬ ‭NLT‬‬

    In our world there are several charged words. Words that carry a negative flavor no matter how they are used. Personal politics and cultural agendas have overtaken common sense and dignity. Traditional seems to be one of those words, but tradition is not bad. Rituals are not evil. Setting up common practices in worship either draws us closer to God or drives us away from Him. The deciding factor is in the application. God is the author of order, yet He is also the source of creativity. We simply need balance in the way we serve and honor Him.

“For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.” ‭‭John‬ ‭4:24‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“So, my dear brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and don’t forbid speaking in tongues. But be sure that everything is done properly and in order.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭14:39-40‬ ‭NLT‬‬

    The question we face on a daily basis is, “Who is being served - God or ourselves?” Servanthood should be the goal every time we use our gifts. Have you ever been to church and everything was “fine” but you left feeling empty - somehow unsatisfied? The worship team was balanced and well rehearsed. The preaching was good sound doctrine. The congregation was friendly. Still, something was missing. Did you use your gifts?