As many of you know, I have a large family. My wife and I have eight children, two of which are married (plus there's a grandson!). At Christmas time, it can be quite the challenge to make sure the gift-giving is covered and nobody gets missed. I’m thankful for the organization my wife has in this area, because I would surely be making a list and checking it twice! Yet when it comes to those who know the Lord, the Bible tells us that everyone in God’s family receives one or more spiritual gifts. Furthermore, God has orchestrated those in local churches to have complementary gifts that work together to build the church. How does God do this!? Well, it is just one more amazing thing about our omniscient and omnipotent heavenly Father.

I’m thankful to see God’s gifts in operation at our local church. This is our second year to offer a drive-through live nativity as an outreach in the community. It takes a lot of time, money, hard work and PEOPLE! Most of our church family is involved in some way. What is always amazing to me is that we have just the right people with just the right gifts to get the job done. Some are gifted with hospitality and food, some with decorations and costumes, some with organization and safety, some with construction and electrical, some with promotion and creativity. Yet though we have many diversities of gifts in our congregation, we are able to work together to accomplish a common task. No, our people aren’t perfect or always have the same vision. Yes, we sometimes get in each other’s way and step on toes. However, the key to making it all work is when we have a proper understanding of ourselves, our gifts, and the purpose for which God has placed us together as a local body of believers. There are three key ways that the church has come to misunderstand our spiritual gifts. When we have the right perspective on these issues, we find ourselves on the right track.

1. You are gifted in SOME way – The most common reason I hear from people that don’t want to be involved in the activities of the church is that they don’t have anything to contribute. If that is your way of thinking, may I remind you that Romans 12:6 clearly tells us that all believers have “gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us”. You have been given a gift at the time of your salvation. You also have natural gifts and talents that you have developed over your lifetime. Don’t let yourself ever believe the lie that you have nothing to contribute. You are gifted in a unique and special way and those gifts are needed in your church.


2. You are NOT gifted in EVERY way – The other common lie that some people have believed is that they are gifted in all areas. There are people who have so much talent, ability and leadership skills that they naturally want to take charge or do it all on their own. If you are guilty of this kind of thinking, may I remind you that Paul clearly taught that “those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary” (1 Corinthians 12:22). You may have good ideas, be able to handle more than others, and can always be depended upon to get the job done. However, that doesn’t mean that you SHOULD. Your gifts were meant to be complementary to others in your local church. Allow others to utilize their gifts and work WITH them in unity of spirit and vision.


3. Your gifts should be used in a CERTAIN way – The third type of Christians are those who have taken the gifts God has given them and chosen to use them for their own benefit. They use their time, talent and resources to further their career, make their homes beautiful, or enjoy their hobbies but have not invested them in their local church. If you are the type of person that never has time or interest in using your gift for the church, may I remind you that God’s purpose in giving you these gifts is to “seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church” (1 Corinthians 14:12).

It's the season to give your gifts. In the case of your life as a believer, God has given you the greatest gift – his son, Jesus Christ. But if you have come to know Christ as Savior, He has also blessed you with every spiritual gift you need through the Holy Spirit. What do you have to give? Why not try giving your gifts back to your local church? Be integrally involved in the work of the ministry. Use your gifts alongside your fellow Christians to build up believers, reach the lost, and edify the church. That would truly be a gift to everyone around you!