Each believer has a different gift or gifts, and God has bestowed these gifts so that the local body of Christ can grow in a balanced way. But Christians must exercise gifts by faith. We may not see the results of our ministries, but the Lord sees and He blesses.
“Exhortation” (encouragement) is just as much a spiritual ministry as preaching or teaching. Giving and showing mercy are also important gifts. To some people, God has given the ability to rule, or to administer functions of the church. Whatever gifts we have
must be dedicated to God and used for the good of the whole church.

It is tragic when any one gift is emphasized in a local church beyond all the other gifts. “Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all have gifts of healing?

Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret?” (1 Corinthians 12:29-30) The answer to all these questions is no! For a Christian to minimize other gifts while he emphasizes his own is to deny the very purpose for which gifts are given: the benefit of the whole body of Christ.

Verse for today: “Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good” (1 Corinthians 12:7, NIV).

Also read: 1 Corinthians 12:4-11; 29-30; Galatians 5:22-23; Philippians 2:1-4.

Action assignment: Are you contributing to your local body’s growth? Be honest with yourself in your evaluation. Then pray for God’s Spirit to give you the faith and knowledge you need to recognize your gift(s). Make definite plans to exercise your gift(s) for His glory and the good of the body. Otherwise your gifts may atrophy.