The Smallness of BIG Ministry

1 Corinthians 12:1-11 – Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led. Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

As the Lord calls us unto Himself, we are given specific gifts of the Spirit of His choosing. We often have no say in the gift we receive, nor any indication on when it will be given unto us (1 Corinthians 12:11, 18). As we receive the gift(s) of the Spirit, there are several things we should understand:

1. Any ministry gift or purpose given to you is the Lord’s. Any desire we have to lift ourselves up above the Lord will crash into the ashes of despair (Proverbs 16:18). When we lift ourselves up, the Lord will bring us back down (Matthew 23:12) – often in front of those we sought audience.

2. The gift the Lord gives will make room for you, but it is first for you. As Proverbs 18:16 states, a person’s gift will make room for them and bring them before great men. The ministry and gift given to you from the Lord is first for you.

3. You must buy into what God has given you. There is a word, a purpose, a gift, a talent, a skill, etc. given to you, and only you. As described in 1 Corinthians 12, your gift is specifically made for you in the specific seasons and settings of your life. It is important that you (1) accept God’s gift from your heart; (2) understand what the Lord desires for you to do with His gift (and how He wants it to be used; and (3) enjoy the encompassing awe of God’s grace and love through your gift from the Spirit.

When was the last time you enjoyed what God has given you (in praise, adoration, and worship)?

4. Share what you have come to learn through your gift and life. As you glean from the Lord through the gift you have been given, it is further cultivated for yourself and others. You want the gift the Lord has given you to bless you so much that you want others to experience the same blessings – regardless of whether one person or 1,000 hears your message (or experiences your gift from the Lord).

5. We are satisfied because God is glorified.

Matthew 5:14-16 (KJV) – Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

As you let your light shine, God will receive the glory. Every gift is meant to draw attention to the Lord and bring Him glory.

Our lives are a part of the Lord’s BIG ministry around the globe. We each share in the work of reaching people with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Your sole purpose in this life may be to only reach one person to His glory.

May the gifts given to you from the Lord minister to your heart and fill your life with greater joy and service.

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