When it comes to the church, being a spectator on the sidelines is not an option for the church member. The Bible calls Christians to a life of service and worship for the proclamation of the gospel and the glory of God.

This is not only true for the believer in their individual life outside of church but is also the case for the believer in the setting of the local church. The Lord has equipped each believer with gifts and we are to use them.

Spiritual gifts are abilities that have been given to the believer by God. The believer is empowered by the Holy Spirit to use these gifts in ministry in the church. The Bible provides us with lists of spiritual gifts in a few different passages (1 Corinthians 12, 1 Peter 4, Romans 12).

These lists vary from being quite broad and general to being specific. Two large categories we see from Peter are gifts of (1) speaking and gifts of (2) serving (1 Peter 4:11). The gifts that Paul writes of in his letter to the Corinthians fall within these categories as well; however, his list is more detailed.

No matter how broad or specific, when spiritual gifts are addressed in the Bible a few things become quite clear. Every believer has spiritual gifts; our gifts are different from others gifts; and we are to be actively using our gifts.

Nowhere does the Bible lead us to think that spiritual gifts are reserved for only the super saints. There is no level of spirituality that must be reached to earn your spiritual gift.

It is clear that every believer has received spiritual gifts (1 Peter 4:10, 1 Corinthians 12:7, Romans 12:3). These gifts are given to us by God as a gift of His grace. They are varied and not all the same.

We should not be comparing gifts and wondering why we have one gift and someone else has another. God has gifted us each in different ways so that as Paul writes, “If all were a single member, where would the body be” (1 Corinthians 12:19).

As those who have been entrusted with spiritual gifts, the believer is to be using them. Paul writes that we have received these gifts “for the common good.” (1 Corinthians 12:7). Peter says, “As each have received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace” (1 Peter 4:10).

We see from these passages that God intends us to serve others and build each other up by using our gifts. They are not meant for us to hold back.

Paul uses the analogy of the body to help us see the need for every believer and their gifts playing a part in the work of ministry. Our gifts can be used in a variety of ways.

Some have the gift of teaching and will proclaim the gospel in their lessons and sermons. Others have the gift of helping and serving others and will encourage members of the body by bringing them a meal.

Whatever our gifts may be, we have been called by God to use them “in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 4:11).

The question is not whether you have a spiritual gift or not. The question is, are you using it and being a good steward of your gift? If you are not using your gifts in the ministry of the church, grab a jersey, get off the sidelines, and get busy serving.