DO IT HEARTILY AND EXCELLENTLY

SATURDAY 19 JUNE 2021

In the body of Christ, we all have different gifts and by the ability of the Spirit, we can cheerfully carry out the functions and duties of our gifts because the grace of God has been given to each one of us. Therefore, we are expected to use every gift we have to serve others in the body.

Reference: Romans 12:6-8 New International Version (NIV) "We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully."

Our referenced Scripture focuses on the intelligence of a godly mindset in regard to rendering excellent Christian service. By reading this Scripture, the question that comes to mind is "How important are spiritual gifts when it comes to ministering to the body of Christ?"

Paul reminds us that we have different gifts of the Spirit, according to the grace given to each of us. He wants us to live by applying those gifts efficiently, according to the grace of God we've received. In fact, Ephesians 4:7-8 (NIV) reads, "But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. This is why it says: "When he ascended on high, he took many captives and gave gifts to his people.""

Now some of the gifts of the Spirit Paul mentioned above are: prophesying in accordance with one's faith, serving heartily, teaching excellently, encouraging graciously, giving generously, leading diligently, and showing mercy cheerfully. In relation to this, Colossians 3:23-24 tells us: "Whatever you do, work at it heartily, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."

Motivationally, our individual effort to produce excellence in the body of Christ is inextricably linked to our revelation about the reason God has given us any gift. Having the mindset of achieving notable excellence with our gifts is the difference that distinguishes the "regular performance Christians" who just wants to be fantastic from the "Spirit-filled Christians" who are truly committed to fulfilling God's purpose. So we must acknowledge that we are divinely placed or positioned as a vital and functioning part of the body of Christ to use our gifts to bless others and offer services heartily and excellently.

So how should we respond to the incredible grace God has shown to us by giving us the gifts of the Spirit? Use it to serve others heartily and excellently. 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV) says, "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms." As faithful stewards, we are expected to serve others wholeheartedly. Invest your gift in the body of Christ and condition your mind to offer excellent service, bearing in mind that every good and perfect gift comes to us by God's grace and its intended to be used for His purpose and glory (1 Peter 4:11 NIV).

From today, we must acknowledge that building effective practice of our gifts into the body of Christ's experiences is a special requirement worthy of reflection and application, and its a reasonable worship, thoughtful service and acceptable sacrifice to God. Shalom!

Scripture Reading - Proverbs 18:16; Matthew 5:14-16; 1 Corinthians 12:4-6; 1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 1:6.

Exuberant Declaration: I am God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus at such a time as this, for good works and faithful service in the Kingdom, which God prepared beforehand, that I should walk in them. Therefore, by the grace of God given to me, and according to my faith in Christ, I use my gift and render my services heartily, diligently, excellently and cheerfully, all to the glory of God. Blessed be God!