The Gifted Church: Unleashing Our Potential for God's Glory

Ephesians 4:7-16

Have you ever considered that you are a gifted person? Not in the worldly sense of talents or abilities, but in a profound spiritual way. As believers, we have each been given a unique gift by the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. This truth, often overlooked or misunderstood, has the power to transform our understanding of our role in the church and our service to God.

The concept of spiritual gifts stems from Christ's victory on the cross. Picture, if you will, a triumphant Roman general returning from battle. As he parades through the city, he distributes the spoils of war to the people. In a far greater and eternal sense, this is what Jesus did for us. After His death, resurrection, and ascension, He gave gifts to His church – to each one of us.

But what exactly are these gifts, and why were they given?

The apostle Paul provides insight into this in Ephesians 4. He explains that Christ "gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers." While some of these roles were specific to the early church, the principle remains: God equips His people with various abilities to serve and build up the body of Christ.

It's crucial to understand that these gifts are not meant for personal gain or pride. Rather, they are given "for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ." In other words, our gifts are meant to strengthen and mature the church as a whole.

This truth challenges the common misconception that divides the church into "clergy" and "laity." The idea that only paid ministers are responsible for the work of the church while others simply observe is not biblical. As one poignant analogy puts it, this mindset turns the church into a football game – "22 players on the field desperately in need of rest, watched by 22,000 people in the stands desperately in need of exercise."

Instead, every believer is called to active participation. The role of pastors and teachers is to equip the saints – that's all of us – for the work of ministry. When we all utilize our God-given gifts, the entire body benefits. We grow in unity, maturity, and stability.

Unity comes as we gather around "the faith" – the core doctrines and truths of Christianity. As we study God's Word together and grow in our understanding of who Christ is, we find a oneness that transcends our differences.

Maturity develops as we continually measure ourselves against the perfect standard of Christ. Just as a child measuring himself with his own shoe might proudly (but incorrectly) proclaim, "I'm nine feet tall!" we can easily misjudge our spiritual growth if we compare ourselves to the wrong standard. Christ is our measure, and as we grow in knowledge of Him, we mature spiritually.

Stability is another crucial outcome of a church operating in its gifts. Paul warns against being "tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine." A church grounded in truth and exercising its gifts is less susceptible to false teaching and passing fads. Like pigs running frantically at every hammer sound, mistaking it for feeding time, some believers chase after every new doctrine or teaching that comes along. But a mature, gifted church stands firm.

The beauty of this divine design is that it creates a body that is "fitly joined together." Every part is necessary, every gift vital. Like geese flying in V-formation, we can go further and higher together than we ever could alone. Each bird's wingbeats create an updraft for those behind it, allowing the flock to fly long distances they could never manage individually.

So, what does this mean for us practically?

First, we must recognize and appreciate the gift Christ has given us. This isn't about false humility or downplaying our abilities. To ignore or neglect our gift is, in a sense, to disrespect the Giver who paid for it with His life.

Second, we need to be actively involved in the body of Christ. Our gifts are meant to be used in community, not in isolation. Regular fellowship, encouragement, and "speaking the truth in love" to one another are essential for our growth and the health of the church.

Third, we should seek to discover and develop our gifts. This often happens as we serve and engage in various ministries. Don't be afraid to try new areas of service – you might discover a gift you never knew you had!

Fourth, we must remember that our gifts are for the benefit of others and the glory of God. They're not about personal recognition or advancement. When we use our gifts with the right motivation, the entire body is built up "in love."

Finally, let's cultivate an atmosphere of appreciation for the diverse gifts within the body. Every gift, whether seemingly grand or humble, is necessary for the proper functioning of the church.

As we reflect on these truths, let's also remember that the greatest gift of all is salvation through Jesus Christ. If you haven't yet received this gift, know that it's freely available to all who put their faith in Him. And for those who have, let's commit to being good stewards of the gifts He's entrusted to us.

In a world that often emphasizes individual achievement, the church stands as a beautiful testament to the power of unity and diverse gifts working together. As each of us plays our part, we create a symphony of service that brings glory to our victorious King.

So, dear reader, what gift has Christ given you? And how will you use it to build up His church and advance His kingdom? The body of Christ needs you – your unique gift, your particular contribution. Don't let it lie dormant. Embrace it, develop it, and use it for His glory. For in doing so, you'll not only find fulfillment but also play a vital role in God's grand design for His church.