We Realize God Calls Us to Body-Life, Part 2

Scripture: Exodus 18:14-16

Now when Moses' father-in-law saw all that he was doing for the people, he said, "What is this thing that you are doing for the people? Why do you alone sit as judge and all the people stand about you from morning until evening?"  Moses said to his father-in-law, "Because the people come to me to inquire of God. "When they have a dispute, it comes to me, and I judge between a man and his neighbor and make known the statutes of God and His laws."

Insights:  Moses was gifted in such a manner that he held the positions of ruler, prophet and in this week’s portrayal a judge.  What we need to understand about our giftedness is that Spirit of God is the gift.  1 Corinthians 12:4 and 7 states, “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit.” And, “But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.”  The point is when we were born again the Holy Spirit of God came and lived within us (1 Corinthians 6:19).  We were sealed for our salvation by the Spirit (Ephesians 1:13).  Now that He lives in us, He manifests Himself in us by empowering us to do good works for which we were preordained (Ephesians 2:10).  Keeping everything that we have mentioned together, we now understand that our task is to determine the manner and ways in which the Holy Spirit has manifest Himself in our lives.  As we learn what our gift(s) is/are we then become aware of how we are equipped to best serve God.  Our next step is to pray and watch and inquire as to where God is presently working.  As we observe God’s activity, we adjust our lives in such a way to join God in His work by using our spiritual gift mix for Him and His glory.  As we participate we are contributing toward Body-Life within the church.  In other words, God has perfectly provided His Body, the church, for every good work.  If we know what our gift mix is and we refuse to use our gift(s), then we are actually hindering the work of God in the Body.  By hindering the work, we are actually grieving the Holy Spirit and Beloved that is a dangerous thing to do.  We need to whole-heartedly join God in His work and use our gift(s) to edify and advance the Body.  Tomorrow we are going to learn if Moses heeded his father’s suggestions and began to experience Body-Life with in the nation of Israel.

Questions:

1. Do you know what your spiritual gift is?
2. Is there anything that is preventing you from using your gifts?

Prayer: Father, You are always at work and inviting me to join You in that work by using the gift(s) You have given to me.  Open my eyes and let me truly see Your activity in order that I may join You.  Amen.