"For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of is to exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching; or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness." Romans 12:4-8
I would hazard to guess that in most congregations, there is at least on sister who is known for her cooking in general and her baking specifically. Growing up, I remember seeing these ladies always bringing baked goods to potlucks, home visits, and yes, a set aside for the preacher. Lo and behold, once I became the minister of a congregation, one of these angels popped up and always seems to show up at just the right time with baked goods. In my case, her name is Melanie and my favorite of hers is carrot cake cup cakes.
So that this does not appear as self serving as it might, let me also share with you that she blesses others as well. We have some great cooks in the congregation but everyone looks for whatever Melanie has prepared. Further, it is not unusual for her to bake dozens of cookies, wrap them with love in cellophane and hand them out just before service or class at random. So many of us look forward to these times. More, Melanie and her husband, Reiders, spend a significant amount of their time visiting those who are confined to their homes, hospital beds or convalescent facilities. They notify the leadership and other members of statuses and updates and encourage us all to be an encouragement to others. I can assure you that they are an encouragement and a comfort to all whom they visit.
Beloved, these thought lead me to sharing with you that we all have at least two things as it relates to our Christianity. Each of us has been blessed with a gift from the Holy Spirit and each of us has been given a responsibility to use it in service to and support of the body (of believers). Galatians 6:10 famously says, "So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith." It is up to each of us to discover our gift and to put it to work. If you are not sure of what your gift is, first pray and ask God and then take an inventory of your life. Are there things at which you seem to excel? Are there things that you find yourself doing frequently and doing well? Are you known for having certain abilities? It is likely your gift can be found this way. Now ask yourself if you are using it for the Lord.
We recently had to share with our congregation that one of our daughters has been diagnosed with Leukemia (for which we solicit your prayers). I am grateful to God that so many responded with their well wishes, prayers and offers to assist in any way they could. Among them was Melanie, who quietly and lovingly showed up at our home with two dozen of some of the best tasting, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate chip cookies this preacher has ever had. Considering both her gift and her readiness to use it, I thought to myself, "That is quite a cookie ministry she has there."
Building God's family,
Lee
No comments:
Post a Comment