By The Rev'd Dr. Jeff Trostle, Director of Pastoral Care
It is an oft overlooked truth that God has given each one of us a gift, maybe several, and he expects us to use those gifts to encourage others.
The Apostle Paul wrote a letter to the church in Corinth because they were misusing the gifts of God, “Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware.” They were using the gifts God had given them to impress others, certainly not out of love. The idea behind this is that God gives gifts to all of us not for our own use but for the common good of the church, the body of Christ.
He went on to explain to them that the church is like the human body. Just as our human bodies are made up of many individual parts, each part playing a role in the proper functioning of the body, so the church, Christ’s body on earth, is also made up of many individual parts, each part playing a role in the proper functioning of the church. When one part is damaged or broken neither the human body nor the body of Christ can function properly.
Paul calls these gifts “the manifestation of the Spirit,” and tells us that God gives every one of us a gift. “To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” God has given each one of us a role to play in the church based upon the spiritual gift(s) he has given us. This is a very real and practical work of the Holy Spirit in each of our lives, a practical way we can experience the Holy Spirit working through us for the sake of others and for God’s glory! In 1 Corinthians 12-14 he discusses many of the gifts which I encourage you to read.
The body of Christ needs everyone of us to be involved using our gifts in building up one another, bearing one another’s daily burdens, consoling, comforting, admonishing, teaching one another that we are to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind and to love one another. In this way the world will know that we are Christ’s disciples. If we think these things should be left for clergy, then we will have a church that does not function as God intended.
This is body ministry: Every member doing their part in using their gifts to God’s glory and the benefit of others. If you don’t yet know what your spiritual gifts are, we can help you discover them and show you how you can utilize what God has given you.
In the coming weeks I will have more to say about the Ministries of Pastoral Care, and opportunities for you to make a difference in the lives of others.