If You Have a Gift, Give It!

I recently completed my annual self-assessment for consultation with my district superintendent. We had to list strengths and weaknesses. One area that I felt weak in was pastoral care. I may give the appearance that I listen deeply to people, but I don't always. My mind can wander in conversations if I'm not entirely invested in them. I care, but only to a certain extent. Compassion and empathy are not my spiritual gifts.

Thank goodness that it doesn't depend on me, even though it's an area where I need improvement. In Paul's letters, he talks about spiritual gifts, and that each person is uniquely gifted for ministry. Some people have diverse gifts, while others have noticeably fewer. Whatever the gifts, they are specific to each person.

What does that mean for me, for the church, and for the annual consultation? It means that, even though I don't have the gift of compassion and empathy, someone else in my congregation does. For those without musical gifts, or exhortation, I can make up for that. Together, the body of Christ is stronger because people use their spiritual gifts for the purpose of ministry.

The key word is "use." No gift is helpful in building up the body of Christ if it remains unused. Unused gifts atrophy and lose their usefulness. AND, the body of Christ suffers. What good is a gift if it isn't used? If you have a gift - give it! When every member of a congregation uses their spiritual gifts, it is one of the vital signs of congregational health. Use those gifts - because the church is at its best when all parts are functioning fully.