Gifting & GrowthSample

SEED GROWTH Christian ministry involves a variety of gifts, some more distinguished and out in the open, while others are subtle and unassuming, hidden by a cloak of simplicity. Each gift is molded to the personality traits of the one who possesses it but not always. Unlikely people are sometimes called upon to perform extraordinarily, and similar to wearing tight shoes, which begin to conform and fit over time, you start fitting into that gift which you felt was not meant for you in the first place. Every gift is important to the ministry of God and the extension of His kingdom. In a king’s palace, there are not only vessels of gold, silver, bronze and brass, but also the lowly earthen pots, the scooped-out gourds and the wooden bowls and ladles. Some of these accomplish their work at the king’s table, while others quietly serve in the background, each one needed to complement the other. The parts of our body too are interdependent, functioning properly because of the work of the hidden members. In the matter of gifting, according to 1 Cor. 14:1, desire spiritual gifts. The Holy Spirit is infinite and limitless in variety when He hands out seed. Just as physical workouts build stamina and promote good health, our gifts begin to yield thirty, sixty and even a hundredfold when we start exercising them. 1 Cor. 7:7 informs us that each one has his own gift from God, one in this manner and another in that. Your part may involve planting the seed. Another may be assigned to water it. Both of you may not even see the results of your efforts, but be sure you will earn the rewards just as surely as the one who reaps the harvest. One cannot happen without the other. Storms, dark pathways, dingy wells and tunnels are all part of the package, and we have to learn to carry our burdens with our focus being on God’s promise, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” To see fruit above, we have to first take root below. Sow in faith, reap in joy!