[7] "The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. [8] Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. [9] Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. [10] Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms. [11] If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen."
It was verse 10 that stood out to me as I read through that paragraph. The idea that we, each of us, should use the gifts that we have received to serve others is a bit foreign to many people. We have a predominant church model that holds up the gifts of a few leaders and often overlooks the gifts of the congregation, unless someone wants to work in the children's ministry. We are ALL supposed to use whatever gift(s) we have received to serve others. No matter the gift, the focus in supposed to be outward toward others not inward. The gifts are also meant to serve the body of Christ, not elevate one's stature.
Gifts which are not used for service to others become twisted and unhealthy, even stunted. As I was thinking about this, I was reminded of the Asian practice of binding feet in girls when they were infants. The feet of the these little girls become misshapen and stunted after a few years. This is what can happen to people who are unable to practice and use their gifts to serve others. Without the ability to practice and use their gifts, people become unsure of their gifts, even forgetting they have them. The Body of Christ needs everyone to be operating in their giftings.
I am drawn back to verse seven, for this statement is more true today than when Peter penned it. We are nearer to the end of all things, and we must pray. One of the things we should be praying for is the release from anything that binds us or causes our gifts to become stunted or fruitless. We must pray that all the gifts would be used! We should pray for environments of love and compassion and grace where we can practice the use of our gifts. We should pray for the gathering in of the Body of Christ, for many brothers and sisters are outside of regular fellowship. The church for too may has become empty, tired and lifeless. We need to pray for all the members to be united, flowing in the proper use of there gifts and serving each other. Let us pray, let us speak freedom and let us provide freedom.
Amen!
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