Page 9 - March 2023 - Truth & Tidings

to the Lord can take many forms. Some of done it unto me” (Mat 25:40).
the gifts mentioned in Romans, 1 Corin- Some might question whether or not
thians and Ephesians are more public in they have any gift, or what their par-
nature than others and seem to be more ticular gift might be, or whether gifts are
prominent. Romans 12, however, would restricted to a certain elite group of people
remind us that we ought not to be high- with special talents. The Word of God
minded, because whatever gift we might makes it very clear that while not all do the
have has been given to us as an act of the same thing, every one has something to
grace of God. More than that, we need to do. Paul wrote to the believers in Corinth
be aware that as stewards of the gifts that that “every man hath his proper gift of
God has so graciously bestowed, we will God” (1Co 7:7). Later in the epistle he
one day give account of our stewardship. writes concerning spiritual gifts, “But all
However, the area of service that is these worketh that one and the selfsame
likely most overlooked is that which in- Spirit, dividing to every man severally as
volves serving others. The Lord Himself he will” (12:11).
is the perfect example of consecration in There is no age restriction or require-
this aspect. He said, “For even the Son ment as far as serving the Lord is con-
of man came not to be ministered unto, cerned. Even the very young can be used
but to minister, and to give his life a of the Lord to serve His people. Samuel
ransom for many” (Mar 10:45). This is es- was but a weaned child when he was
1
sentially what is referred to in Romans 12, presented before the Lord in Shiloh (1Sa
where the word “ministry” is used in con- 1:24). It was a little maid that told Naaman
nection with other gifts. We may not think of the prophet of God in Samaria (2Ki 5:2-
of serving others as being a gift given to 3). It was just a lad that had the five barley
us by the Lord. However, this is one area loaves and two small fish that the Lord
where many are used of the Lord, even Jesus used to feed 5,000 (Joh 6:9).
though they may not recognize it as such. We learn, too, that a person is never
It is necessary to understand that not all too old to serve the Lord. Noah was 480
“gifts” are of a public or prominent nature. years old when he began to preach and
The expression “given to hospitality” he was 600 years old when he entered
(Rom 12:13) actually means “pursuing into the ark (Gen 7:6). Moses was 80 years
hospitality,” or going in for it. The word old and Aaron was 83 when the Lord first
“hospitality” itself is the idea of taking sent them to speak to Pharaoh to let Israel
people in to care for their needs. There go (Exo 7:7). Caleb was 85 when he told
are those who are quite capable of doing Joshua that he was just as strong then as
just that and enjoy it tremendously. It is he was when he was 40, “for war, both to
a gift given in grace by the Lord Himself go out, and to come in” (Jos 14:11).
and needs to be recognized and encour- Whatever God has filled our hands
aged. Remember that we serve the Lord with, we must keep in mind, as Paul
by serving others. The Lord Jesus said, reminded the believers at Colossae, “Ye
“Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one serve the Lord Christ” (Col 3:24). We
of the least of these my brethren, ye have might ask the question that David asked,
¹ Bible quotations in this article are from the “Who then is willing to consecrate his service
KJV. this day unto the LORD?” (1Ch 29:5).

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