The Lamb Cake Story

Every family has its own stories. My daughter sent me this picture today because it reminded her of one of ours. Years ago, when the children were small, I was working and couldn’t attend Vacation Bible School at our church, so I asked the director if there was some other way I could help. The theme for that year was “Jesus, Our Shepherd, so she asked me to make a lamb cake. She even had the cake pan to lend me. Now, as I’ve said previously, crafts and art are not my talent (A Tip for Pastors) but I agreed. How hard could it be?

As you’ve probably surmised, my cake turned out looking a lot like the one on the bottom of the image. In fact, my cake would not even stand up! (thankfully, the kind VBS teachers assumed I did that on purpose, so it would be easier to cut– lol) And I actually ended up making three cakes, trying to “perfect” my technique — or at least come up with a cake wouldn’t be a complete embarrassment. And in the process I became pretty grouchy with my husband and children

The moral of this story (which I often tell) is this — know your gifts. We’re not all the same. Of course, we can all sometimes do things that stretch us and help us grow beyond our comfort zones. For example, I like to write, and that has led me to speak in front of groups so I could share something I have written (not easy for a quiet introvert). But there are some things we probably shouldn’t do. The lamb cake was one for me.

For more about spiritual gifts see:

Let Your Spiritual Gifts S–T–R–E–T–C–H You

The Gift of Mercy

The Spiritual Gift of Wisdom

A Tip for Pastors

Recently my pastor husband retired, and we began attending a new church. He set up a lunch date with the pastor to see how he and I might be helpful. Terry (my husband) mentioned that I was interested in spiritual gifts and had the training and materials to assess others. The pastor with whom he was meeting said they had done a gifts program already and didn’t need that kind of assistance, but maybe I would like to join the mission stitchers.

When I tell this story to anyone who knows me well, they laugh. Why? Well, because I am terrible at anything that involves crafts or artistic talent. I’m sure the mission stitchers is a wonderful ministry, but it isn’t for me. Later by perusing the newsletter, I was able to introduce myself to the person who was reorganizing their church library, and I’ve been helping her (because I do love books!).

So, what’s my point? Pastors PLEASE–when someone offers to help, find a way for them to do that. Begin by asking some questions. What do you enjoy doing? What have you done in the past? Have you done a spiritual gifts assessment, and if so, what are some of your gifts? If you don’t get an immediate sense of where this person fits it, tell them you will think about it and get back to them. Then follow up! Trying to quickly pop a round peg in a square hole could result in failure for both the person and the congregation.

Fortunately for me, I once had a pastor who was very good at spotting interests and talents, and encouraging his parishioners to serve in ways that suited them well. Sometimes his suggestions were challenging — but they never made me laugh. I’m also self-motivated and self-aware enough to look for my own opportunities, but not everyone is. It’s actually the duty of all who are mature Christians (not just the pastor) to seek out and encourage the gifts of others. The church is a body, and we need all of the parts doing the job God equipped them to do.

“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them.” 1 Corinthians. 12:4

For more posts about spiritual gifts see:

Spiritual Gifts from the Holy Spirit

What are the Spiritual Gifts?

The Purpose of Spiritual Gifts

The Gift of Mercy

Earlier this month I posted about Stephen Ministries. This would be a wonderful ministry for anyone with the gift of mercy. Wondering if you have this spiritual gift? Here is a complete description that may help you decide.

Literal Meaning: To have compassion

Description: The gift of mercy is the special ability that God gives to certain

members of the Body of Christ to feel genuine empathy and compassion for individuals, both Christian and non-Christian, who suffer distressing physical, mental or emotional problems, and to translate that compassion into cheerfully done deeds that reflect Christ’s love and alleviate the suffering.

Distinctives:

• Focus upon alleviating the sources of pain or discomfort in suffering people
• Address the needs of the lonely and forgotten
• Extend love, grace, and dignity to those facing hardships and crisis
• Serve in difficult or unsightly circumstances and do so cheerfully
• Concern themselves with individual or social issues that oppress people

Traits:		Cautions:
	Empathetic		Need to be aware that rescuing people from their
	Caring		pain may be hindering God’s work in them
	Responsive		Need to guard against feeling “unappreciated,” since
	Kind		some of the people helped will not show or express
	Compassionate		any appreciation
	Sensitive		Should guard against becoming defensive and angry
	Burden-bearing		about the sources of others’ pain

References: Acts 16:33-34; Matthew 5:7; Romans 12:8; Hebrews 4:16

For more posts about spiritual gifts see:

A Quote about a Favorite Topic — Spiritual Gifts

The Spiritual Gift of Teaching

Spiritual Gifts from the Holy Spirit

You’re Not a Bystander

A sermon I heard recently included a short anecdote. The church was having a Christmas play. One little girl went home and in excitement told her parents that she was given a part to play. She couldn’t remember the name of the person she was to portray, but she knew it started with the letter “B”. The family wracked their brains trying to figure out what role their daughter was to play. Finally, on the evening of the performance, as they perused the bulletin, they realized that she was simply a “bystander.”

The point of the sermon was this: none of us are bystanders in the Christmas story. Why? Because the story is still going on. The Bible is one long divine drama, and each one of us is important. We may not be a star, but we have a role to play. Our part could be to support or serve in a quiet capacity. Our gift might be encouragement or mercy. We may not touch millions of lives, but we will touch some. And each one is loved by God.

In the book of Ephesians, we read:

““For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10

Isn’t that an amazing thought? Before we were even born, God was arranging our character, our environment and our abilities. He had plans for us, and those plans did not include simply standing by. We are to get involved, to get our hands dirty, to serve others and play our part. We may never be recognized with awards or fame, but we’ll receive something even better. We’ll feel God’s pleasure and when the time is right, we’ll hear these words:

“‘Well done, good and faithful servant! … Come and share your master’s happiness!’ “Matthew 25:23

For more about using your gifts see these posts:

A Quote about a Favorite Topic — Spiritual Gifts

What are the Spiritual Gifts?

Serving God with Your Gifts

The Kingdom and You (and Me)

The congregation is the body of Christ on earth. The kingdom was ushered in with Christ, and it continues through the work of His church. He is the head, and we are the members. As I discussed in a previous post, as part of the congregation, we get to participate in the means of grace — hearing the Word preached, baptism and Holy Communion. Who wouldn’t want to be part of that?

We also have responsibilities. Every one of us in the body has been given a spiritual gift.

“Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues.” 1 Corinthians 12:27

When we use our gifts, we are helping to build up God’s kingdom.

“To each is given a manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” 1 Corinthians 12:8

When we fail to use our gifts, are failing to love God and one another. We may be believers, but we are not growing, and in fact, we are dying. As James tells us,

“So also, faith by itself, if it does not have works is dead.” James 2:17

A living congregation is full of believers who are using their gifts to serve others. Each one respects the work of the others, and all work together to edify others, to bring the Good News to the world. Are you doing your part? A good question to ponder.

For more posts about spiritual gifts see:

Spiritual Gifts from the Holy Spirit

What are the Spiritual Gifts?

Let Your Spiritual Gifts S–T–R–E–T–C–H You

The Spiritual Gift of Wisdom

WISDOM

Literal Meaning: To apply truth practically

Description: The gift of wisdom is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the Body of Christ to know the mind of the Holy Spirit in such a way as to receive insight into how given knowledge may best be applied to specific needs arising in the Body of Christ.

Distinctives:

• Focus on the unseen consequences in determining the next steps to take
• Receive an understanding of what is necessary to meet the needs of the Body of Christ
• Provide divinely given solutions in the midst of conflict and confusion
• Hear the Spirit provide direction for God’s best in a given situation
• Apply spiritual truth in specific and practical ways

    

Traits:	Cautions:
	Sensible		Could fail to share the wisdom that God
	Insightful		has given them
	Practical		Need to avoid having others develop a dependence
	Wise		upon them, which may weaken their faith in God
	Fair		Need to be patient with others who do not have this gift
	Experienced
	Common sense

For more personal study see:

References: Acts 6:3, 10; I Corinthians 12:8; James 1:5,6; II Peter 3:15

For more about spiritual gifts see these posts:

Spiritual Gifts from the Holy Spirit

Let Your Spiritual Gifts S–T–R–E–T–C–H You

Gifts + Passion = Ministry

The Spiritual Gift of Teaching

Teaching is one of the spiritual gifts listed in the Bible. I am sharing a definition and some information about this gift that our congregation received as part of the Fanning the Flame program we did a few years ago. As you read through this post, think about whether this might be one of your gifts.

Literal Meaning: To instruct

Description: The gift of teaching is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the Body of Christ to communicate information relevant to the health and ministry of the Body and its members in such a way that others will learn.

.Distinctives:

• Communicate biblical truth that inspires greater obedience to the Word
• Challenge listeners simply and practically with the truths of Scripture
• Present the whole counsel of God for maximum life-change
• Give attention to detail and accuracy
• Prepare through extended times of study and reflection

Traits:	Cautions:
	Disciplined		Should avoid pride that may result from their
	Perceptive		“superior” biblical knowledge and understanding
	Teachable		Could become too detailed when teaching
	Authoritative		and fail to make life application
	Practical		Should remember that their spirituality is not
	Analytical		measured by how much they know
	Articulate

References: Acts 13:1, 18:24-28; Romans 12:7, I Corinthians 12:28; Ephesians 4:11

Using a good concordance, do your own study regarding what God’s Word says about this gift — its application within the various circumstances you find it in Scripture.

For more about spiritual gifts see these posts:

The Spiritual Gift of Service

The Spiritual Gift of Leadership

The Gift of Shepherding

A Quote about a Favorite Topic — Spiritual Gifts

“We ask to know the will of God without guessing that His will is written into our very beings. We perceive that will when we discern our gifts. Our obedience and surrender to God are in a large part our obedience and surrender to our gifts. This is the message wrapped up in the parable of the talents. Our gifts are all on loan. We are responsible for expending them in the world, and we will be held accountable.” Elizabeth O’Connor in Eighth Day of Creation

When our congregation went through the Fanning the Flame process (How it Works — the Fanning the Flame Process, part 1) a few years ago, my job was Spiritual Gifts Coordinator, and it involved asking our members to complete a spiritual gift assessment, and then meeting individually with each person to help them understand the results. Some were reluctant to do this, and I have a hard time understanding why. A few people said they were leery of being “pigeon-holed.” But being aware of our natural gifts certainly doesn’t mean we can’t try something new. It may actually help us to see how our particular abilities fit into a new project. I suspect some members saw the assessment as a “test” and therefore something they could fail. This is a misconception as well. We will have high scores in some areas, and low scores in others. The point is to discover what you are best at, and everyone is good at something. I can’t help but wonder if gift assessment is avoided because once we know our gifts, we may be asked to use them, and many would rather just sit on the sidelines. We know from the parable referenced in the quote that God expects more than this. He wants our involvement and engagement in His plan to evangelize the world.

So if you have an opportunity to learn more about your spiritual gifts, please do it! You may be surprised, you may be affirmed, and you will be better able to serve God and your neighbor.

For more about spiritual gifts see:

Let Your Spiritual Gifts S–T–R–E–T–C–H You

What are the Spiritual Gifts?

The Purpose of Spiritual Gifts

After the Weekend part 3

In addition to prayer, study can help us the direction our Christian action should take. Have you ever noticed that we’re not all good at the same things? From Romans, chapter 12:

“We have different gifts according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is in serving, let him serve. If it is teaching, let him teach. If it is encouraging, let him encourage. If it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously. If it is leadership, let him govern diligently. If it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.”

There are many books available about discovering your spiritual gifts. There are also personality tests such as the Meyers Briggs test, or seminars about personality types which are often available through your workplace. Take note of the things people praise you for, or tell you you do well. Ask your Pastor or your church friends to give you their opinion and advice. All of these things are study– studying yourself so that you can be a good steward of your unique God-given abilities.

Of course, unless you have physical limitations, there are many things that need to be done around the church that almost any of us can do–things like cleaning, making coffee, being an usher or folding bulletins. We should all be willing to do our share of those chores. Being gifted to teach, for example, should not be used as an excuse to avoid every doing anything else. So make an effort to fit some of them into your schedule. Your fellow members will be VERY grateful.

One more section to come ….

For more about spiritual gifts see:

What are the Spiritual Gifts?

Let Your Spiritual Gifts S–T–R–E–T–C–H You

The Purpose of Spiritual Gifts

Growing Up, Part 4

Since those early days I’ve been in many different kinds of Bible study groups. There was the two year “Crossways” study Terry and I attended when our children were small. In that class, for the first time, I began to get the chronology of all those Sunday School stories straight. I made some good friends, too. I could still list for you every person who took that class with me.

Another study that had a big impact on my life was one that our pastor taught on spiritual gifts. I hadn’t really thought about my gifts before. Of course, I knew there were things I liked to do and things I didn’t. But when it came to doing things at church, I was pretty haphazard. I did things because somebody asked me to help, or because something needed to be done, or because I was interested. Sometimes this approach worked out– I was fine at many things like teaching the children, serving on the altar guild, and editing the newsletter–but I also made mistakes. There was the time I agreed to bake a lamb cake for Vacation Bible School. I baked three cakes and the final one still wouldn’t stand up the way it was supposed to! I can laugh now, but at the time it was a frustrating and unpleasant experience and one I certainly wouldn’t want to repeat.

In the gifts class, I learned there was a better way to go about serving. By evaluating my God-given talents I began to sort jobs around the church into three categories– things I was especially good at that included writing, studying and leadership; things I certainly could do like making coffee, cleaning, helping at the yard sale or visiting someone in the hospital; and things I really shouldn’t do– in my case that’s anything involving arts and craft or a high degree of organizational skill.

I’m not finished yet, so come back tomorrow for installment #5!

For more posts about spiritual gifts see:

Spiritual Gifts from the Holy Spirit

What are the Spiritual Gifts?

Let Your Spiritual Gifts S–T–R–E–T–C–H You