Making It Personal
We have discussed the functions that God expects us to accomplish as a body and how He has bestowed those abilities upon us. For now, I have three questions. First, what areas are you weak in? If you are weak in an area then you are most likely not gifted in that way. You can work on those areas; however, studies show that you will be able to bring them up only two levels at best. Now we should work on these areas, but we still would not be doing our part for the body. In addition, we need to keep in mind that God has not gifted us in that area so we need to find our strength.
This brings me to the second question, in which areas are you strong? If you are a six in ministry, you can bring it up to an eight. The body would benefit more and greater things would be accomplished for the cause of Christ. This philosophy has been in practice in many businesses for the last 10-15 years and proves to be very productive. It does not mean that one person is better than another but simply gifted differently. I also think it is biblical.
Two accounts come to mind about people not using their giftedness. One is Saul, I Sam. 15, when he offered the sacrifice instead of Samuel. It was Samuel’s job and God gifted him in that fashion. It cost Saul dearly and those around him. In addition, in II Sam. 6, we see a man named Uzzah who died because he reached out and touched the ark when they were moving it back to Jerusalem. Here he was trying to serve the Lord and he died. However, he was not a Levite and therefore not gifted in the area of ministry.
Therefore, we need to know our weaknesses and strengths to make sure we are utilizing our giftedness fully. The final question is; are you using your gifts to bring glory to God and edify the body?