Being part of the family of God, we are given gifts. Not just any gifts but spiritual gifts to empower us to do The Lord’s work. 1 Corinthians 12 v 4 – 7 says, “Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal”. We often hear this passage quoted when we are referring to Spiritual gifts. But this isn’t the only time that the apostle Paul mentions it. He explains that spiritual gifts are given, “For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ” – Ephesians 4 v 12. The great thing about these gifts is that we don’t have to struggle to use them because they come with an Instructor who will teach about the gift and how to use it. The Holy Spirit himself.
We begin our walk with the best of intentions to get involved in the work that needs to be done. Then the busy nature of life takes over and we procrastinate over the tasks that God has asked us to do. We push those intentions aside claiming we don’t have the time right now. Perhaps later in the future when we have more time to spare we can serve.
We need to remember that this is the work that God has called us to do. The enemy is well aware of that. The pen of inspiration warns us that, “Satan invents unnumbered schemes to occupy our minds that they may not dwell upon the very work with which we ought to be best acquainted” – GC pg 488 p 1.
When we are starting out in our Christian walk, the idea of serving in church may seem daunting. Especially, if we feel that we don’t have much experience or knowledge. Did you know that Jesus’ disciples had on the job training? Whilst they were still learning, Jesus gave them their first assignment. To go and do exactly what He had been doing. Casting out demons and healing the sick. Not only that, they had to go back and give Jesus a report! You can read about it in Luke 9 v 1– 10.
Before He went to Heaven, Jesus gave His disciples instructions to share His teachings with everyone living in all places of the earth (Matthew 28 v 19). Like the disciples, we are invited to share with others the good news of Jesus. But how can we do that when we have only just been converted? What do we say, where do we start?
Start by testifying what you know and sharing what God has done for you. The Woman at the well had one conversation with Jesus, then went and shared it with the city (John 4 v 28 – 30). Similar thing happened with the man who was possessed by demons. His first response was to follow Jesus, but he was sent to go and tell people what Jesus had done for him (Luke 8 v 38 – 39).
The pen of inspiration says, “All who engage in ministry are God’s helping hand. They are co-workers with the angels; rather they are the human agencies through whom angels accomplish their mission. Angels speak through their voices, and work by their hands. And human workers, co-operating with heavenly agencies, have the benefit of their education and experience.” – ChS pg 261
This assignment isn’t exclusive. God is asking that we all get involved. At the moment, there are only a few who are struggling to do the work of many and are becoming tired and weary. The load becomes lighter when it is shared out. Just like the labourers in the vineyard (Matthew 20 v 1- 16), everyone who serves will receive a reward. So ask the leaders in your local church how you can get involved in the work today.
”In this work all the angels of heaven are ready to cooperate. All the resources of heaven are at the command of those who are seeking to save the lost. Angels will help you reach the most careless and the most hardened.” – COL pg 197.
