“According to the grace given to us, we have different gifts: If prophecy, use it according to the proportion of one’s faith; if service, use it in service; if teaching, in teaching; if exhorting, in exhortation; giving, with generosity; leading, with diligence; showing mercy, with cheerfulness.” – Romans 12:6-8

Our church is currently fundraising to pay off the little bit of dept we have left and begin work on a new multi-purpose center for larger events, since we are quickly outgrowing our current space. Recently we received a very large financial gift. Since then, I have had two very interesting conversations. First, I called the individual who gave the gift to say thank you. Their response was something like, “you are welcome, but I know I should really do more around the church.” Later, I had another conversation with someone who is very involved in leadership at the church. When I told them about the monetary gift, their response was something like, “wow, I really wish I could do that.” My statement to both individuals was exactly the same; “we are each called to give back to God whatever he has given us.”

I have been a pastor long enough now to realize that we need every single individual that contributes to the church. It doesn’t matter whether they serve as a deacon, make large contributions, teach the children, lead worship, or mow the lawn. As long as you are giving back to God whatever gifts he has given you, you will thrive in your walk with him. The only person who should be concerned is the one who is giving nothing back to God. So, don’t feel you must lead a Bible study, give huge financial gifts, or preach a sermon. Look at how God has gifted you and make sure you are using that, on a regular basis, to bless his Church and build his Kingdom.

Heavenly Father, thank You for all the incredible and varied gifts that we see among Your people. Convict us and then teach us to sacrificially use those gifts to build Your Kingdom.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Shane Cannon