I Corinthians 12:11
“But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills.”
God’s wonderful Holy Spirit doing what He does. We all are gifted uniquely in His Body. I Peter 2:5 says of the church, “you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” We all fit where He wishes. I picture a gleaming temple with each of us a brick here or a painting there. Both are important. Some are more prominent. That’s ok. To God, we are all important.
He equips us accordingly. We wouldn’t want to switch places. I did youth ministry when I was in my twenties. It was a blast. However, I thought I was going on a pastoral path. I was on staff at a church. I learned it wasn’t for me. I wasn’t gifted that way. It was stressful. That’s what it feels like when we are acting in a role in which we are not gifted. My present roles are less visible and I love it.
How do we find our role? I have a couple of comments there. We get praise when we are acting in our gifts. People enjoy what we are doing. We go deeper in that direction. God also opens doors for us. A year ago we joined the Saturday night church service. They advertised where they needed help. My options were parking ministry, ushering and middle school ministry. The first two were uninteresting. I chose the middle school ministry. I have a heart for young people. That’s how doors open. I would have never volunteered for it if it wasn’t offered. Also our friend group was all doing something. I had to choose something.
Sometimes it stays small. That’s how I see middle school ministry for me. I only volunteer one Saturday a month. I’ve been asked to go on the retreat. I didn’t go. It may grow into more, but for now, no.
I feel like my job as a teacher is a ministry. While I’m not preaching the gospel, I do my best as a teacher and I support and care for the students. This may be my last year there. I was a church counselor for nearly 12 years. I hope that grows more when I retire.
Thank You, Lord for The Holy Spirit. He equips us and puts us in places to use us for His glory. Thank You that it’s a blessing for us to be used by Him.