Identify Your Office And Operate Therein
MEMORISE: Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men. – Proverbs 22:29
READ: 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 (KJV)
4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.
7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Job 19-20
MESSAGE:
Apostle Paul tells us in the Bible reading of today that he would not want us to be ignorant of the truth concerning our calling as Christians and workers in the vineyard. Hosea’s 4:6 also emphasizes the danger of ignorance:
“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge…”
Our Lord Jesus Christ emphasized the importance of knowing the truth in John 8:32:
“And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
In other words, lies hold people captive! In Proverbs 22:29 we read that a person who is diligent in his or her business shall stand before kings. In what business? The fellow is to be diligent in whatever is committed into his or her hands – academically, professionally, spiritually and in all other areas.
“Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.” – Ecclesiastes 9:10
The Scripture above emphasizes the need for diligence.
In the light of today’s reading, let us consider some things worthy of learning: One, it is possible for Christians to be ignorant of facts about spiritual gifts. Two, there are many gifts in the body of Christ and every believer should possess at least one. Three, it is the Holy Spirit who distributes gifts to every believer as He chooses. Four, there are differences in the administration as well as division of labour. Thus, believers should beware of carrying out too many activities in the Church by themselves because it could be counter-productive. Five, though there are differences in operations from believer to believer, it is the same God through His Holy Spirit that works in all genuine believers. Six, the Holy spirit then gives different assignments to different believers for the edification of the entire Body of Christ.
Thus, we see that it is not for the fun of it that believers are endowed with one gift or another. Therefore, we come to the seventh lesson: no gifts either superior or inferior to another. For this reason, Apostle Paul further wrote to warn us against discriminating in the use of the spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 15:17).
Therefore beloved, let us work together as many members, but one indivisible Body of Christ – everyone playing his or her part as the Lord has given us enablement. We shall not miss our reward in Jesus’ name.
ACTION POINT:
Identify your spiritual gift(s) and begin to operate in its fulness, to the glory of God.
HYMN 10: I’m Pressing On The Upward Way
1. I’m pressing on the upward way,
New heights I’m gaining every day;
Still praying as I’m onward bound,
“Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.”
Refrain:
Lord, lift me up and let me stand,
By faith, on Heaven’s tableland,
A higher plane than I have found;
Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.
2. My heart has no desire to stay
Where doubts arise and fears dismay;
Though some may dwell where those abound,
My prayer, my aim, is higher ground.
3. I want to live above the world,
Though Satan’s darts at me are hurled;
For faith has caught the joyful sound,
The song of saints on higher ground.
4. I want to scale the utmost height
And catch a gleam of glory bright;
But still I’ll pray till heav’n I’ve found,
“Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.”
