Daily Devotional: September 29th, 2020

Living your Discipleship Markans; Spiritual Gifts

For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
- Romans 12: 4-8

There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.
Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.

Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? Now eagerly desire the greater gifts.
- 1 Corinthians 12: 4-11, 27-31

Page 33 of the Gospel Discipleship guide recognizes, “ It is wonderful to become aware of what kind of disciple you are…. and for Markans, that means living in the way the Holy Spirit is calling.”

Over the next several days we will be exploring different Realms of Discipleship: Spiritual Growth, Worship, Service and Witness. To best know how to approach these areas it is prudent to discover what gifts we have been given so we can work into our strengths.

We have all been gifted by the Holy Spirit (Romans 12:6) to share in the body of Christ. Some gifts are more obvious than others and sometimes, depending on the need, certain gifts may be brought out in us more than before or may only be prevalent for a period of time. First Corinthians 12:7 tells us that “Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good” and that each of us as the body of Christ (the church) have been given individual gifts that used collectively together act as the Hands and Feet of Christ for God’s glory.

Why are Markans Wildly Inclusive??? Because they believe those gifts are given and that each person, living into their gifts, working together in love, brings the realities of God’s Kingdom closer with every step.

Spiritual Gifts include but are not limited to: Prophecy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Giving, Leadership, Mercy, Word of wisdom, Word of Knowledge, Faith, Gifts of Healings, Miracles, Distinguishing between Spirits, Tongues, Interpretation of Tongues, Apostle, Prophet, Teacher, Helps, Administration, Evangelist, and Pastor.

So how do we determine our gifts so we can best hone and use them where God intended? If you are unsure of your gifts or need a refresher a first step is a Spiritual Gifts Test or Assessment. Many are available online that will help to bring to the forefront the strongest gifts you may have and some results that may surprise you. One Assessment is available at ministrymatters.com.

So whether you have “Markan Attributes” or not, we all have Spiritual Gifts given by God to be used for the “Common Good” and God’s glory.

Prayer

Father, help me to use the gifts You have given me through the Holy Spirit to work together with others as the body of Christ to be Your hands and feet in this world. May I glorify You in all things. Amen