Prayer:

“The Christian faith is woven from threads of both unity and diversity, a tapestry of believers from every nation, language, and background, brought together through the redeeming love of Christ. In the New Testament, especially in the teachings of the Apostle Paul, the metaphor of the “body of Christ” powerfully illustrates how the Church is called to be one in spirit and purpose, while richly diverse in gifts, experiences, and perspectives. Understanding how unity and diversity coexist and strengthen the body of Christ is crucial for fostering authentic community, effective ministry, and vibrant witness to the world.”

I’ve seen a commercial on TV where everybody is driving the exact same white car. The point being made is, how boring is that. Then they inject one red car. The red car even gets on a different road than the other cars. That red car is exciting, not boring. We are different, but members of the same body. Our differences and experiences bring a level of excitement into our fellowship, this body of Christ that worships at Hillview Church of God.

Last week I preached on leadership in the body of Christ. But we only looked at two levels or roles of leadership, being an overseer and being a deacon. The requirements for fulfilling one of those roles was intense. I’m convinced the same expectations you have for me as your pastor should be the same for any role or position in God’s church. I shared a quote last week on leadership, “The church, as the living body of Christ, is called to be a beacon of hope, a community of love, and an instrument of transformation in a world longing for truth and meaning. To fulfill this calling, we must recognize the vital importance of leadership—not just at the highest levels, but throughout the entire congregation. Leadership is not a title, though most leaders have titles, nor a privilege reserved for a few; it is a spiritual responsibility, a calling to serve, encourage, and shepherd others in faith.”

There is a role in the body of Christ for you. God qualified you for a role in his body when you were saved. He gave you a spiritual gift. Even in a congregation our size is a plethora of gifts. Verse 7 of our text said, “Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.” The common good is defined as the advantage, benefit, or well-being of an entire community or society, rather than solely individual self-interest.

God gave you a gift, but it wasn’t for you, it was for all of us. Every time you choose to take your gift some place other than to church where we are gathered, you deprive us of your gift. It is to our advantage when several people have the same gift.

I am gifted in pastoral leadership, preaching, and teaching. When I schedule my vacation, I arrange for another minister to fill in for me. That is planned. I don’t plan to get sick. If I wake up Sunday morning sick, it helps if there is another preacher that is part of our fellowship that I can call, and on short notice be able to cover for me. That is one of the reasons having Damon on staff with me is a benefit to all of us. If I were to become incapacitated, we have someone that can cover for me.

A couple of weeks ago Karen, our worship leader, was sick. She reached out to the worship team for someone to cover for her. Initially, no one responded. I understand the fear people have when called upon to be up front and do something. Plus, the added burden we put on ourselves because we try to imitate the person we are covering for. In the last hour Sister Bonnie said she would do it and did a fine job. What would have happened if she had kept silent?

Since we are all called to be leaders in the church, we need to develop our gifts so we will be prepared when called upon to lead/serve.

Maybe you aren’t sure what your gift is. If you are saved, I know you have at least one gift, but you probably have several minor gifts to go along with your one primary gift.

C. Peter Wagner developed a bestselling spiritual gifts inventory. New members are given a copy of this inventory to fill out. Some fill it out right away, but others are still waiting for the perfect time to fill it out, consequently, they are still in the dark about what their gift is.

The inventory is set up to identify 27 different spiritual gifts. Mr. Wagner identifies a spiritual gift as a special ability that God gives to certain members of the Body of Christ to:

Example: the spiritual gift of teaching is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the Body of Christ to communicate information relevant to the health and ministry of the Body and its members in such a way that others will learn.

Mercy – the gift of mercy is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the Body of Christ to feel genuine empathy and compassion for individuals (both Christian and non-Christian) who suffer distressing physical, mental or emotional problems, and to translate that compassion into cheerfully done deeds that reflect Christ’s love and alleviate the suffering.

We must remember we are one body. Our diversity of gifts can be likened to the many parts that make up the human body. When everything is functioning properly, there’s nothing we can’t do.

Within the church body, when the gifts are functioning properly, there’s nothing we can’t do. Within this body we need different gifts to address the different functions necessary for it to live, grow, and serve.

• No member should compare or contrast themselves with other members.
• Don’t magnify those gifts that tend to get all the attention.
• Don’t hang your head if your gift is a behind the scenes gift.
• “Diversity does not suggest inferiority. Are we to believe that the sovereign Lord made a mistake when He bestowed the gifts?”¹

As we work together to be the Church, we will promote unity as we discover our dependence on one another. “God’s desire is that there be no division in the church. Diversity leads to disunity when the members compete with one another; but diversity leads to unity when the members care for one another.

We show we care when we function according to God’s will and by helping the other members to function. If one member suffers, it affects every member. If one member is healthy, it helps the others to be strong.”²

“Diversity of members fulfills the will of God in the body. It is God who bestows the gifts and assigns the offices. He has a perfect plan, not only for the church as a whole, but also for each local congregation. God gives to each congregation just the gifts it needs when they are needed.”³

1 Co 12:27-31a

27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.

28 And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues.

29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles?

30 Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret?

31 But eagerly desire the greater gifts

“The most helpful gifts are those most beneficial to the body of Christ. Paul has already made it clear that one gift is not superior to another, but he urges believers to discover how they can serve Christ’s body with the gifts God has given them. Your spiritual gifts are not for your own self-advancement. They have been given to you to serve God and enhance the spiritual growth of the body of believers.”⁴

Just to the north of the church they are building an apartment complex. It will have 152 units when completed. What spiritual gifts are going to benefit the church as we evangelize that complex? There is the gift of an evangelist. According to the gifts inventory I took, evangelist was low.

What that says is, I need you to work with me to compensate in the areas I’m weak in. From looking at the gift surveys I have from many of you, evangelism isn’t anyone’s primary gift. So, we will have to pray God sends someone that that gift soon, but until then, we will take the gifts we have and use them to the best of our abilities as we strive to win the lost to Christ.

Study Questions

1. Do you know what your primary spiritual gift is?
2. Are you currently using your spiritual gift in the life of this church?
3. Are you aware of anyone that shares your gift that given the opportunity you could mentor? (somebody young in the Lord)
4. Have you been disappointed about the gift God has given you? Why?
5. Does knowing that the gift God gave you is not for you but for the body make a difference?
6. Do you see Hillview as a church that is diverse but walking in unity or disunity?
7. If you could point out a human body part that most represents your spiritual gift, what would the body part be?
8. Are you excited about the opportunity to evangelize the apartment complex next door?
9. Have you invited any of your friends to visit Hillview?