HUMBLE SERVICE

Over the years, I have taken countless classes and assessments about my area(s) of gifting. I am sure that many of us have taken those same courses! And, over the years, my gifts have morphed as God has worked in me. Some, God has developed into unexpected prizes wrapped up with a glittery bow, some have slipped behind the clouds for the time being, some have just not been utilized (by me or others). One of the stumbling blocks that has prevented the utilization of gifts (mine and others') is a lack of humility.

What God has shown me, over and over (usually as I somewhat desirously and/or enviously listened to another's vocal/musical gifts), is that He has specifically given and fashioned within me certain gifts to benefit the body of Christ. It isn't about me at all. It is about how those gifts will be of use to His children. The gifts that God has bestowed upon me are designed to do something particular for the body, within the body, to support the body.

Romans 12:6-8 tells us, "We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.”

Somehow though, we seem to mistake the gifts given to us for God's purposes as something for us... to bring attention to ourselves. Humility, well, it does not seem relevant in our single-minded cause to bring our wonderful gifts to the forefront.

One of my Bible commentaries states, "We must be humble and recognize our partnership in the body of Christ. Only then can our gifts be used effectively, and only then can we appreciate others' gifts. God gives us gifts so we can build up the church."

It seems clear that humility, a hard-to-find trait anywhere in this society, is the key to becoming more like Christ and hence, more useful within the body with our gifts. "And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death-even death on a cross" (Phil. 2:8). If Jesus deigned to do it, is it not something that we, His imitators and followers, should attempt?

One of the greatest lessons we can learn from the life of Jesus is His humble service to others. Jerry Bridges stated in The Practice of Godliness , "The foremost example is His washing the disciples' feet on the night of His betrayal, but Jesus' whole life was one of serving others. He said He did not come to be served but to serve; He went around doing good for others. Jesus even seems to indicate that He will still be serving us in eternity (Luke 12:37), as incredible as that may seem." (p.81-82).

If we, (as one of my Bible commentaries states):

~ recognize that all gifts and abilities come from God

~understand that not everyone has the same gifts nor all the gifts

~know who we are and what we do best

~dedicate our gifts to God's service and not to our personal success

~ be willing to utilize our gifts wholeheartedly, not holding back anything from God's service;

We will be using God's gifts to us as they were intended, with love, in the service of others. So, whatever He has given us, whether it is something limelight-y, like music ministry, or something more behind the scenes, like kitchen duty, we are to do it as Christ would have... with humility and integrity. 

© M. LaPointe 05/08/2009 

Michele's Bio:

Michele is a freelance writer for Heartbeatthemagazine.com. She writes for various venues, such as: her blog site, twitter and revelife. She also does blog book reviews for Multnomah Press on her blog site.
Michele has a Master's Degree in Counseling and works in the public school system. That experience has afforded her a God's-eye view into the world's empty promises.
She is the mother of a 24 year old son, who is undeniably God's greatest gift on earth to her.
Michele divides her “free” time among several interests: jazzercise, kickboxing, running, cross-country skiing reading and writing.
Her most satisfying experiences though, are teaching and conveying the perfect Word of God to hurting and broken women. There is nothing quite as exciting as witnessing the spiritual dawning that occurs when God reveals His forgiveness and power in someone's life.
You may contact Michele through this magazine at: www.feedback@heartbeatthemagazine.com or at www.xanga.com/catzndogz9
She welcomes your sincere comments and suggestions.