You are gifted

I encourage you to reflect on the “gifts” God has given you. Also reflect on the attributes that are celebrated and held in high regard in our Church, our workplaces, our local communities? Is there any conflict between your own gifts and what you feel the world celebrates? If so, how have you navigated that tension?

In 1 Corinthians 12:12–31, Paul urges Christians to recognise that each person, each part of the body, has a part to play in the church, the Christian community. Each person has a ministry to exercise, a gift to use, something to offer. Paul wanted to avoid elitist cliques, hierarchies, and factions, so he tells the Corinthians that every part of the body is necessary and honourable.
He says: - The parts that seem to be weaker are necessary and indispensable (1 Cor. 12:22).
               - The parts that seem to be less honorable we should invest with greater honour
​(1 Cor. 12:23a).
               - The parts that are unseemly, undignified, or less respectable we should treat as having a
                  greater level of dignity, respectability, and prominence (1 Cor. 12:23b).
               - The parts that are already respectable and honorable do not need special treatment; they do not need more honour (1 Cor. 12:24).

Paul wanted the parts (the people) that seemed to be lowlier to have the same status, theologically and socially, as the already respectable and honourable parts (people). Paul wanted equality, and he associates equality with unity. He wanted equality, unity, and the reciprocal care and concern for each other that results in a harmonious, healthy, functioning body (1 Cor. 12:25–26).

This is what God wants for our Church. He wants everyone to have the freedom and opportunity to use the gifts they have been given (1 Cor. 12:11). In the church, God has appointed first, apostles, second, prophets, third, teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, the ability to help others, leadership skills, different kinds of tongues (1 Cor. 12:28).

If you have not begun to explore your gifting, you may like to begin here with this free questionnaire (knowing it’s not an exhaustive list of gifts):  
https://fivefoldministry.com/ 
Please Speak with Reverend Tanya or Amy about your results. We would love to equip and empower you to serve.

We are all in this together.
Blessings in Christ,
Rev Tanya