Employ Your Spiritual Gifts

1Pe 4:7-11  “But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.  Use hospitality one to another without grudging. As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.  If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.” 

Spiritual gifts fall into two basic categories: speaking and serving. Neither is more important than the other because both are demonstrations of God’s grace to the church. However, if members are not using their gifts, then the church suffers.

Every believer should be involved in a local church and actively loving the body of Christ. One of the ways we do this is by employing our spiritual abilities for the benefit of others. Those with speaking gifts can teach truth, promote righteousness, and offer correction and encouragement. Serving gifts give practical help so the church can function smoothly and extend personal care and love to its people.

Spiritual gifts aren’t merely some bonus added on top of salvation. They are to be taken seriously and given our full attention (1 Timothy 4:14-15). But we need never fear that we won’t use our spiritual abilities well. After all, it is God who works through us, and He will enable the Spirit’s gifts to be utilized for both the benefit of others and His glory.