Are you serving the Lord with the gifts He’s given you?

Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they descendants of Abraham? So am I. Are they servants of Christ? –I speak as if insane–I more so; in far more labors, in far more imprisonments, beaten times without number, often in danger of death. Five times I received from the Jews thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent in the deep. I have been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers among false brethren; I have been in labor and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. Apart from such external things, there is the daily pressure on me of concern for all the churches. Who is weak without my being weak? Who is led into sin without my intense concern? If I have to boast, I will boast of what pertains to my weakness. The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, He who is blessed forever, knows that I am not lying. 2 Corinthians 11:22-31

In today’s passage, Paul’s description of his suffering is remarkable. He faced considerable hardship for his faith, but he refused to whine or seek pity. If this was the price for passionately serving Christ, Paul was willing to pay. The apostle’s commitment can teach us important lessons about our own walk of faith:

We serve according to God’s will, not our own. On the road to Damascus, Jesus said to Paul, “It will be told you what you must do” (Acts 9:6). We are to seek the Lord’s direction and timing. Committing to do whatever He asks requires courage; instead of placing limitations on our obedience, we must be brave.

We serve according to our gifts, not our talents. A spiritual gift is the special endowment God gives us to serve where He calls. Talents may be useful in His work, but His gifts equip us. Natural skill wasn’t what made Paul a powerful preacher. In fact, he spoke of the uselessness of his abilities and pedigree in comparison with knowing and serving Christ (Philippians 3:4-9).

Even when we stay focused and serve using our gifts, there may be moments when service feels hard or draining. Yet it will, overall, be filled with joy and satisfaction. Are you serving the Lord with the gifts He’s given you?