We have a guest blog from Ritchie Carbajal, pastor of another friend church in the US, Crossweave Church.
True story: After the devastation caused by Katrina, I went on a mission trip with another church to repair homes in Louisiana. I can’t tell you how thrilling it was to sport a leather construction belt around my waist complete with nail pouch and holster for my cordless drill. It was so cool to be a construction worker for a few days with a bunch of other guys.
Then there was Sammy (not his real name). This was his third trip to the area. He had two suitcases full of brand new power tools and hand tools. But one thing about him caught my attention. He was planning to leave all of his tools with the local families and other workers like he did on previous trips. You see, he knew exactly why he was there. He could care less about looking good or having more tools than anyone else. He had skills and abilities. He was there to serve because he genuinely cared for those who had lost their homes.
The same goes for the skills and abilities from God’s Spirit—aka spiritual gifts. They may be fun exciting to have but the reason for the gifts is for the other person. They are given for the purpose of building up the Body of Christ—the individuals that make up the church. What it all translates into is a love for others that is sincere and not for your own benefit. Discover that gift, and then use it to bless others.
