Written by Abigail Adriana Loayza Becerra, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Cusco, Peru
Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. (Eph 4:15-16, NIV)
This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. (Jn 15:8)
How many times have we heard or said: "That's not my gift"?
We often say that when someone invites us to serve, to teach, to evangelize, or even just to listen. Without realizing it, that phrase becomes a shortcut to avoid commitment and an excuse not to participate in the mission that Jesus left us. It is true that God has given each of us different gifts. The Bible tells us that the body of Christ is made up of many parts and each one fulfills a different function: some teach, others encourage, others serve, others lead, others show mercy, etc., etc. And having different gifts does not mean that some believers are exempt from bearing fruit or making disciples.
Ephesians 4 explains that each member of the body contributes something indispensable to the Church. When each member uses the gifts God has given them, the body grows, becomes stronger, and reflects the love of Christ. The problem begins when we hide our talents behind phrases such as "that's not my gift," "I'm not good at that," or "it's better for someone else to do it." Many times, it is not a lack of capacity, but fear, comfort, insecurity, or lack of willingness.
Nor did Jesus say that only some should bear fruit. In John 15:8, He affirms that the Father is glorified when we bear much fruit and prove that we are His disciples. Bearing fruit doesn't just mean preaching from a pulpit. We bear fruit when we disciple someone, when we serve with joy, when we show hospitality, when we listen to those who need comfort, when we manage our resources well, or use our abilities to bless others.
The gifts God gives us are not for our own benefit, but for the edification and growth of the Church so that others may know Christ. Every gift, every talent can be a tool to spread the Kingdom of God. Many times, we expect to feel prepared to serve, but if we are willing to use the gifts God gave us, even if we feel unprepared, He will empower us as we act in obedience (like Moses, Deborah, Gideon, and many more).
Maybe your gift is teaching, singing, encouraging, evangelizing, organizing, cooking, writing, listening, administering, etc. No gift is too small when it is used with love, willingness, and above all, with the intention of glorifying God. One of the most important things is that we do not go around comparing gifts, but instead that we focus on being faithful to God with the gifts He has entrusted to us.
When we stop making excuses and serve willingly and intentionally, and when each member decides to take the place God has prepared for them, we discover that God can do more than we can imagine. We will see lives transformed, we will see the Church grow, we will see people being strengthened. Let us not allow the phrase "that is not my gift" to prevent us from obeying Christ's call for us, but let us instead ask ourselves, "How can I use what God has already placed in my hands to bear fruit and make disciples?" In the end, we may not be remembered for the gifts we had, but rather for our faithfulness in using them for the glory of God.
What gift, talent, or ability has God given you that you may have been putting aside out of fear or excuses, and how can you begin to intentionally use it to bear fruit and make disciples this week?
