This speaks gently and truthfully to a struggle many faithful believers carry in silence. Scripture reminds us that availability is not the absence of gifting, it is often the soil where gifting is revealed. God does not distribute His Spirit sparingly or forgetfully. “To each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good” (1 Cor. 12:7), not for visibility, applause, or hierarchy.
Acts 6 is such a needed corrective: the Spirit honored service as ministry, character as calling, and obedience as the doorway to fruitfulness. Stephen did not begin with signs and wonders, he began with faithfulness. And God met him there.
So many servants confuse exhaustion with insignificance, when often it is a sign of faithfulness without affirmation. This reminder re-centers us: gifts are not measured by platform, but by love expressed in action (Gal. 5:6).
May those who feel “only useful” hear the truth; you belong, you are gifted, and God wastes nothing offered to Him.
This is so well said. I think the comparison issue is a big one. It’s unfortunately been exasperated by the church itself, who has a history of elevating serving inside the church vs outside, like in the workplace, which has left a lot of people feeling like they aren’t serving, when they really are! Chris, my pinpoint tool is made to be an interactive way to answer the key questions you cited in this article. I would love for you to try it and see if you find it valuable. You already have the link 😉
Your four practical steps are fundamental. They are easy and... practical! I love this. We gotta get everyone off the bench and onto the field. You are helping that happen, Chris! Thank you.
Thank you so much! The perfect time for me to hear this. The Lord works with synchronicities.
Chris,
This speaks gently and truthfully to a struggle many faithful believers carry in silence. Scripture reminds us that availability is not the absence of gifting, it is often the soil where gifting is revealed. God does not distribute His Spirit sparingly or forgetfully. “To each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good” (1 Cor. 12:7), not for visibility, applause, or hierarchy.
Acts 6 is such a needed corrective: the Spirit honored service as ministry, character as calling, and obedience as the doorway to fruitfulness. Stephen did not begin with signs and wonders, he began with faithfulness. And God met him there.
So many servants confuse exhaustion with insignificance, when often it is a sign of faithfulness without affirmation. This reminder re-centers us: gifts are not measured by platform, but by love expressed in action (Gal. 5:6).
May those who feel “only useful” hear the truth; you belong, you are gifted, and God wastes nothing offered to Him.
Blessings,
Ze Selassie
This is so well said. I think the comparison issue is a big one. It’s unfortunately been exasperated by the church itself, who has a history of elevating serving inside the church vs outside, like in the workplace, which has left a lot of people feeling like they aren’t serving, when they really are! Chris, my pinpoint tool is made to be an interactive way to answer the key questions you cited in this article. I would love for you to try it and see if you find it valuable. You already have the link 😉
Well said!
Your four practical steps are fundamental. They are easy and... practical! I love this. We gotta get everyone off the bench and onto the field. You are helping that happen, Chris! Thank you.
--Hank