As we continue to look at the spiritual gifts given to the believers by Jesus Christ, I want to remind each of you of the importance of understanding your spiritual gift and that of others. God purposed that we work together harmoniously. To do that, we need to understand each other. We must stop, listen and learn from each other. Only Jesus Christ possesses all the spiritual gifts of motivation in one body. God purposed it that way so that the body of the church could only function with the intertwining of many parts. On the last post, I focused on the motivational gift of leadership. Today, as we continue; I wish to focus on the motivational gift of service (ministry). Always, keep in mind:
For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So, we, being many, are one body in Christ, and everyone members one of another. Romans 12:4,5
THE GIFT OF SERVICE
Those gifted with Service (or otherwise known as Ministry) as their primary motivation play a vital role in the furtherance of the church. Uniquely, they see clearly the needs of others around them and cannot be content until those needs are met. Deriving their joy from seeing the need fulfilled, they jump quickly into action and continue until the task is complete. Because they intently desire to know they really fulfilled the needs, they need to hear “Thank you”. This need for a “Thank you” is not born out of pride or selfish desire; instead, it comes from a deep concern over the one they are trying to help. Often, the person gifted with Service as their motivational gift; fear their task is not done. Perhaps they should have done more! To them, failure is not an option.
Misunderstood because of their boldness to jump into another’s situation, they are criticized for being too eager. Think about the women at a church dinner who arrives early, sets up all the tables and chairs, constantly asking where they can help and then stays until the last person served and dish washed. People without the gift of service, see those with as “grand-standing”; failing to appreciate their nature is such. They really aren’t trying to steal the show. Truly, they want to serve and can’t be satisfied until they have fulfilled all the needs in front of them. When, those with the gift of service feel their acts of service are unappreciated; they withdraw into feelings of rejection with a broken heart and spirit.
CONTRAST WHEN IN THE SPIRIT AND WHEN WORKING IN THE FLESH
When working out of the Spirit, those with the motivation gift of service remain hyper-alert to recognizing needs within the church and within the lives of others. They radiate hospitality, generosity, and joy. Furthermore, they are very flexible, available, and filled with endurance to stay however long it takes to complete the task. On the contrary, when working out of the flesh; they become insensitive, lonely, isolated, stingy, pouting, resistant to change, and unavailable. Beyond that, they even may walk out on the job frustrated in the middle of the task; when operating out of the flesh.
DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE WITH THE MOTIVATIONAL GIFT OF SERVICE?
I am certain, you can identify someone in your life who possesses this gift. Remember, they desperately need to hear gratitude from you for what they are doing. Let them help you set the table when they are your guest; because, not to allow them to help only makes them feel useless. On the other hand, if they are interposing and their eagerness is pushing you into a corner; explain, gently to them that you really need them to just sit beside you instead of flittering around you. Example, maybe I need the person to sit beside me and pray with me; instead, of washing my dishes. So, gently, I tell the person gifted with service my true needs; instead, of what they perceive I need. Then, thank them profoundly for what they have done for me. Thus, I avoid their frustration, in addition to my own need going unanswered.
WHAT IF THE GIFT OF SERVICE IS YOUR MOTIVATIONAL GIFT?
First of all, thank you for all you do for the body of the church; promoting the gospel story through action. Yet, beware of this warning given by Paul in Romans 12:7 to those with the gift of service “Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering”. Why would Paul suggest those with the gift of service wait about ministering their service? Because, those with the gift of service tend to run in before asking God if that is the best thing to do. They see the need and don’t stop to consider; that perhaps, God is using that need to teach the other person something about Himself. Therefore, the person with the gift of service; needs to pause long enough to pray and wait for God to give them the green light before jumping into service.
CONCLUDING TWEETS
[tweetthis]Let us always be quick to say “Thank You” to those gifted with Service[/tweetthis]
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST OR NEED PRAYER?
If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link, if you have a prayer request email me by clicking here or comment here
OTHER RESOURCES AVAILABLE
A Broken and Contrite Heart, I published in 2010, answers the question, “What do I do when I keep falling into the same sin? Does God hate me because I keep failing to get this right? So, where do I begin again and find joy in my salvation; after, falling. If you want to know more about this book or the other books I have written: You can find a link at: Book Resources.
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2017
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
The inscription I added; but the Photo by Nick Karvounis on Unsplash