This week’s devotions are based on Week 6 of Building Together: “When Faith Goes to Work!” (WATCH HERE)
1 Peter 4:10 Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
Have you ever wondered whether what you do really makes a difference? Perhaps you see someone else teaching, leading, or doing something that receives public recognition, while your own contributions seem small or unimportant. It is easy to believe that the work of building God’s kingdom depends primarily on a few gifted people. But Scripture gives us a different picture. God works through His people, giving each of us gifts and opportunities to serve so that the whole body of Christ may grow.
In 1 Peter 4:10, Peter writes, “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” Notice that Peter says each one. Serving is not reserved for pastors, church leaders, or people with special talents. God gives gifts to His people so they can use them for the benefit of others. Some gifts are easy to see, while others are exercised quietly and faithfully. What matters is not whether our service attracts attention, but whether we use what God has given us to glorify Him and serve our neighbors.
Paul develops this same picture in Ephesians 4:15–16. He describes the church as a body joined together, with each part doing its work so that the whole body grows and builds itself up in love. A body cannot function properly if every part tries to do the same thing. The eye cannot replace the hand, and the foot cannot replace the ear. Each part has a purpose, and the body needs them all.
The same is true in our congregation. Some people teach children, others welcome visitors, prepare meals, care for the building, encourage fellow members, give generously, or pray for those in need. These tasks may look very different, but each can become an opportunity to serve Christ by serving others. When we use our gifts faithfully, we strengthen the people around us and contribute to the mission God has given His church.
Of course, we don’t always use our gifts with the right motives. Sometimes we compare ourselves with others, seek recognition, or become discouraged when our efforts go unnoticed. We may even neglect opportunities to serve because we assume someone else will take care of them. When that happens, we need to remember that our service does not establish our worth before God. Our salvation rests entirely on the grace of Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us and rose again to make us His own.
Because Christ has served us first, we are free to serve without competing for recognition. We can rejoice in the gifts God has given others while faithfully using our own. We don’t have to do everything, but we can each do something.
As we continue Building Together, remember that Christ is the one who builds and sustains His church. He graciously uses the service of His people to care for one another and share His love with the world. Whatever gifts God has given you, look for an opportunity to use them this week. Your service may seem small, but in Christ’s hands it can become a blessing to someone else.
Reflect: What gifts, abilities, or opportunities has God given you that you could use more intentionally to serve others? What is one practical way you can help build up your family, congregation, or community this week?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the gifts and opportunities You have given me to serve others. Forgive me when I compare myself with others, seek recognition, or overlook the needs around me. Thank You for saving me through Jesus Christ and making me part of His body, the church. Help me use my gifts faithfully, encourage my fellow believers, and serve my neighbors with the love I have received from You. Build us together in Christ so that our lives may bring glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name. Amen.