The Ministry Cup

Romans 12:6-8 says,

“In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.”

This verse teaches us that all of us have different gifts and talents. We should not compare ourselves to one another, but we should use our gifts and talents to minister to the Lord and others.

All followers of Jesus are called into the ministry, but most are not in church ministry as their primary source of earning wages. If you are paying attention to your assignments from the Lord, you are fulfilling your function in the Kingdom of God. If you are bearing fruit for God, you are engaged in ministry. We need to learn what our spiritual gifts are and begin to exercise them. We also need to develop a servant’s willingness to do what is necessary so that the work of our hands can glorify our Lord.

Questions to ask yourself regarding this cup of life include:

• What do you feel God has called you to do?
• Are there any areas of gifting that make you excited to think about?
• Have you experienced God using you to minister to others? What was it like?
• Have you struggled with figuring out what gifts you might have?
• Have you dedicated your time and efforts to serving others?

We must have in ourselves, and help develop, a heart for serving others in those we disciple. We need to watch those we disciple closely, pointing them in the direction of the gifts we see in their lives.

Prayer:

Lord, reveal to me the gifts and talents You have placed within me. Show me how to use these as ministry. Develop in me a servant’s heart to do Your will above my own. Amen.