Different Gifts, One Body
“And when these gifts we’ve been given don’t earn us as much attention and recognition as others, we grumble and complain. We covet other gifts. We doubt the father’s favor.”
“Gods marvelous grace imparts to each one of us different gifts. So, if God has given you the grace-gift of prophecy, activate your gift by using the amount of faith you have to prophecy. If your grace-gift is serving, then thrive in serving others well. If you have the grace-gift of teaching, then be actively teaching and training others. If you have the grace-gift of encouragement, then use it often to encourage others. If you have the grace-gift of giving to meet the needs of others, then may you prosper in your generosity without any fanfare. If you have the grace-gift of leadership, be passionate about your leadership. And if you have the grace-gift of showing compassion, then flourish in your cheerful display of compassion.” Romans 12:6-8 TPT
I love these verses in Romans, but before we can use a gift given to us, it’s worth noting the verse right before these and then we’ll dig in: v5 “(as it is for a human body’s parts,) so it is in the body of Christ. For though we are many, we’ve all been mingled into one body in Christ. This means that we are all vitally joined to one another, with each contributing to the others.” Could it get any more beautiful, or show Gods infinitely creative wisdom more than this?
In Gods marvelous grace, He not only knits our motley crew of believers together but in kindness, gives us gifts through the power of His Spirit: different gifts, on purpose, for the benefit of each other and the glory of His name. If I spend any time thinking on this, I’m brought to tears.
But then there have also been times in my life where I have seen someone working in their gifting and at first celebrated…only to slowly and quietly fall for the whisper that their gift is special, far better than my own. Ever been there? And then at some point we find ourselves resenting their gift, judging their worthiness or doubting our own, and at worst…assuming they must be worth more than us, more important to God than we are. It would sound ridiculous to say it out loud, but we still find ourselves there.
If we’re cutting to the chase, that’s pride…the core human condition, whether we’re lifting ourselves up or tearing ourselves down, and comparison will lead to both. Our whole fallen world is based off of production, power, bravado and clawing to the top, whether you’re a CEO or a stay home momma; comparison is the human mode of operation and praise (whether self or from others) is our reward. In that mindset, these gifts, so generously and purposefully gifted from the Lord, become nothing more than currency that we use for approval, achievement, status, and influence. And when these gifts we’ve been given don’t earn us as much attention and recognition as others, we grumble and complain. We covet other gifts. We doubt the Father’s favor. We miss the point entirely.
But it is through the renewing of our minds (putting our natural way of thinking to death and choosing to take on Christ’s way of thinking) that we will come alive. The kingdom of God is a kingdom of humility, servanthood and the Father’s glory. We, the body of Christ are created to function in those ways as well, so the gifts we receive are for the same purpose.
This week, we’re going to take a look at God’s divinely purposeful plan to knit together infinitely different and uniquely gifted people as a means of caring for each other, bringing life, health and ultimately His glory…and there are no small parts to play. No afterthoughts. No lesser gifts.
So, pray with me this week for eyes to see and a heart to understand what the Lord is doing in and through us. All glory to Jesus.
This week we’re going to be honest with ourselves and ask the Lord to sift our heart and help us with a change of mind where it is in order. Ask that He would help us see the beauty of His plan and His gifts, no matter the shape or size.
Faith Follow-Through:
This week, take some time to grow in motherhood and faith:
Tuesday:
The purpose of a gift. If we remember the purpose of our gifts is for His plan and glory, it will help keep our hearts in check. Just as scripture reminds us there is no small part in the body, there is no small gift. The eyes may be beautiful and breathtaking…but try getting along in life without a spleen and you won’t care if it’s eye catching. By submitting the desire to compare ourselves and our gifts every time they pop up, to Jesus’ glory and purpose, we can keep comparison and pride from tainting God’s plan for us and for His body. He doesn’t ask us to shine or compete, just to humbly remember we are His, saved by grace, and that who we are is more than enough in Him and the power of Him Spirit.
Like this verse says, what gift it is you have…do it joyfully. Ask Jesus today to show you the gifts He has given you. Sometimes it’s easily found in what makes your heart come alive: can’t help but see the beauty in people and encourage them? Perhaps your gift is encouragement. Love digging in the word and sharing what you find? Perhaps you have a gift of teaching. Love making people feel seen and welcomed? Perhaps you have the gift of hospitality. One thing is certain; God wants you to talk to Him about it and figure it out with Him, so spend some time today in conversation with God.
Wednesday:
The practice of a gift. When I was growing up, the saying was “practice makes perfect,” which I always thought was dumb because they’d obviously never seen me play tennis after four years on the high school team. But now I have kids in school, I’ve noticed they’ve changed the saying to “practice makes progress,” and I can get behind that. Today we’re not using the saying so much in the sense that we have to practice the giftings of God, because He alone will sharpen and bring to fruition what He’s gifted, but we are saying that using the gifts God has given you will progress your faith in Him and other’s faith in Him.
Think of it this way: ever played a sport and been the bench warmer (you’re getting a clear picture of my athletic ability today haha)? It’s defeating. I’m convinced we’ll feel more alive, as God planned, if we get in the game and participate in the body and kingdom work with each other. We were never meant to be bystanders, so whether you’re unsure of your gifts or not, use them in every opportunity, knowing God will move through you to accomplish what He sees as important work.
And what better place to start than in our motherhood. You are your kids’ mother for a reason. God designed that they would glean from your giftedness and be pointed to the purpose and glory of the Father through it. Talk to the Father and step out in your gifting today, no matter how small a step.
Thursday:
His Glory. God has entrusted you with abilities, to love others, build His kingdom, and bring Him glory. Us humans hang on to the “go big or go home” mentality, but that’s not Gods mentality. His is more in line with “the one.” And God will celebrate in using our gifts for just that.
Influence isn’t flashy, it’s faithful and there’s no better place to impress the glory of God on others than in our own homes. Using our gifts doesn’t compete with motherhood, we don’t need to find organizations or big platforms…if His gifts are to build His kingdom and bring Him glory, motherhood can become the primary place where those gifts are expressed. And more than speaking fleetingly to a group of people, or leaving viral tweets…we can change the whole life course of our children and impress permanently on little hearts who will go out and multiply the glory of God in places we will never reach.
May we find contentment this is week in wherever God has chosen to receive glory through the gifts He has given us, and may we pray for hearts that never seek our own glory.
Further Study:
Friday:
I’ve struggled for a long time about what I want to do when I grow up. When I was a child, until I was in my early twenties, it was very obvious that I wanted to be a teacher, and a mom, and a wife, and God didn’t really have a place in any of that…it was just the plan I laid for myself.
But that didn’t pan out. At least not all of it. God did, very clearly, have a (very awesome) plan for me to be a wife and mother…but the job thing was kind of hit or miss. I worked with children, but I never really loved my job. The stay at home moms had it all. They had library play dates, no set schedule, only their kids to take care of. And one day I was extremely blessed to have God call me to be a stay at home mom.
I thought I would take one year off from working and go back once my youngest was in school…but God had a different plan and I’m still waiting for my youngest to go to school, because God blessed me with another “youngest” and then yet again another “youngest”. The years have gone by, and every year I struggle more and more with what God’s plan for me is. Surely I’m not “just” a mom. That mom over there is a mom AND has an awesome job. That mom over there is a mom AND has a craft shop. That mom over there is a mom AND has an Instagram following. That mom over there is a mom AND plans play-dates, get togethers, parties and has a spotless house.
What is my gift? I’m a mom AND…what? I feel like God has nothing else for me. I’m constantly searching for something else I’m good at. Crafting, making jewelry, painting…I’m very mediocre. Finding a new job? Always closed doors. Writing a book? A dream…but another no. Planning playdates? Definitely not my gift.
But then I’m reminded of all the beautiful words Brooke spoke this week. We all have different gifts according to what God has given us in order to be part of the body of Christ. Right now my gift is to mother. And that is enough. That is what I’ve been given to do, and if God tells me to do it, I’ll do it with joy and enthusiasm (most of the time). It helps me when I remember how He called me to be home with my children, and then gave me more children to be home with. If that’s not an obvious calling, then I don’t know what is.
Remember, the story I just shared is my story, but yours will be different. Maybe you have a job but you compare yourself to moms who stay home. Maybe you have a cool hobby but wish you had a different hobby. Each of us have different gifts, callings, purposes given to us for the body of Christ. Some moms work. Some moms don’t. Some moms have a talent. Some moms have a different talent. But like Brooke said, no gift is more important than the next, because we’re all working for God’s glory.
Say this with me: I’m a mom AND what I do is enough.
(Friday reflection written by Cathrine, a mom of 4)
Written by Brooke, mom of 3
