But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. … It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. —Ephesians 4:7, 11-13
Paul writes to the Ephesians that “grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift” (Eph. 4:7, NKJV). Verse 11 makes it clear that the gift he was referring to is a ministry gift. We can’t help but notice the misconception about the anointed people referred to in this passage. We commonly assume that people are given the gift of being a prophet, pastor, or evangelist. Paul saw it differently. “He … gave some to be apostles … prophets … evangelists … pastors … teachers” (v. 11, emphasis added). Clearly, the minister was the gift to the church. It was not an issue of the anointed gift being for the benefit of the minister. That really changes the way we look at it. God’s gifts are distributed to people who become vessels and conduits of His mercy for the benefit of others.
{ PRAYER STARTER }
Father, help me to discern the giftings that You have given to me. And help me to remember always that the purpose of the gifts You placed in my spirit are that Your church may come to know You better.
God’s giftings are not about our
promotions and esteem.
