ODJ: Looking for Work?

November 28, 2016 

READ: 1 Corinthians 12:1-13 

A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other (v.7).

National Football League player Joe Anderson was released from his first team due to injuries. But possessing a powerful physique, Anderson knew he was uniquely qualified for an athletic career. To try and join a new team, he stood outside an NFL sports stadium holding a hand-made sign. The sign read: “ . . . starving for SUCCESS!!!” and had hashtags: #whateverittakes and #ibelieve. During his job quest, which ended successfully, he commented: “I’m outside [the stadium] . . . every morning, because I know what type of gift God has blessed me with!”

While Joe realized his physical gifts came from God, the Bible reveals that the Holy Spirit gives spiritual gifts to all believers in Jesus (1 Corinthians 12:11). Recognizing these gifts is important because they reveal how God wants us to be “employed” for Him. Our individual Spirit-given abilities link with the needs of other believers to help advance God’s kingdom.

God doesn’t seek blind devotion from robotlike workers. He sees us as individuals and cares about the purpose that can come from effectively serving Him. Paul was passionate about using his gift of evangelism to honor God. He said his life was worth living when he was using it for the work Jesus had given him—“the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God” (Acts 20:24).

Are you wondering how to serve within the body of Christ? Consider how God has uniquely equipped you. Do you have the ability to give wise advice, exhibit great faith, or discern whether a message is from God? (1 Corinthians 12:8-10). Are you a natural leader, teacher, or helper? (v.28). These are only a few of the gifts. “God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us” (v.6).

—Jennifer Benson Schuldt

365-day plan: Galatians 5:13-26