Bringing Your Gifts to God's Table: Moving from Consumer to Contributor

In a world that often encourages us to prioritize our own needs and desires, it's easy to fall into the trap of treating church like a drive-thru experience. We pull in, order what we want, and leave until we need our next spiritual fix. But what if there's a more fulfilling way to engage with our faith community? What if, instead of asking "What's in it for me?", we approached church with the question "What can I bring to the table?"

This shift in perspective takes us from being mere consumers of religion to active contributors in God's kingdom. It's a journey from spectator to participant, from self-focus to community-building. The Bible tells us in Ephesians 2:8-10 that we are not only saved by grace through faith, but we are also "created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do." This means that every believer has a purpose and a role to play in the body of Christ.

Imagine church not as a drive-thru, but as a family dinner table. At this table, everyone brings something unique and special. Some might bring their culinary skills, others their warm conversation, and still others their ability to clean up afterwards. The beauty of this metaphor is that it highlights how diverse our gifts can be, yet how essential each contribution is to the overall experience.

The apostle Paul uses a similar analogy in 1 Corinthians 12, comparing the church to a human body. Just as a body needs all its parts to function properly, so too does the church need all its members, with their varied gifts and abilities, to thrive. "If they were all a single part," Paul asks, "where would the body be?" (1 Corinthians 12:19)

This diversity of gifts is not just a nice-to-have; it's crucial for the health and growth of the church. Ephesians 4:11-12 tells us that God gave different roles and gifts "to equip the saints for the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ." When we all bring our unique contributions to the table, we create a rich tapestry of service that reflects God's multifaceted grace.

But what if you're unsure about what you can contribute? Maybe you don't see yourself as particularly gifted in traditional church roles. The good news is that God can use a wide array of skills and personalities for His glory. Are you good with numbers? The church needs people to manage finances. Are you handy with tools? There's always maintenance work to be done. Do you have a knack for organization? Event planning and logistics are vital for church operations.

Consider the story of Sue, a retiree who had spent her career in logistics. Instead of seeing retirement as the end of her usefulness, she took her skills to the mission field, using her expertise to support gospel work in Africa. This example reminds us that there's no retirement from ministry and that our secular skills can have sacred applications.

Even if physical limitations restrict what you can do, there's still a place for you at God's table. Prayer, encouragement, and wisdom-sharing are invaluable contributions that don't require physical prowess. The key is to adopt a posture of willingness, saying like the prophet Isaiah, "Here I am, Lord. Send me."

As we discover and deploy our gifts, it's crucial to remember the ultimate purpose: to glorify God. 1 Peter 4:10-11 exhorts us, "Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve others, as good stewards of the varied grace of God... so that God may be glorified through Jesus Christ in everything." Our service isn't about building our own platform or receiving accolades; it's about pointing others to Christ and building up His church.

When we embrace this mindset of active participation and service, something beautiful happens. Ephesians 4:15-16 paints a picture of a body "fitted and knit together by every supporting ligament," growing and building itself up in love "by the proper working of each individual part." This interconnectedness leads to spiritual growth, both for individuals and for the church as a whole.

Moreover, an engaged, serving membership is key to the church's vitality and mission. Churches that become inward-focused, catering only to members' preferences, often stagnate and decline. But when believers commit to serving others and spreading the gospel, the church becomes a dynamic force for God's kingdom, reaching to the ends of the earth.

So how can we practically apply these truths? Here are some steps to consider:

Pray and reflect on how you're currently using the gifts God has given you.
Assess your gifts. What skills and passions do you have? What gives you joy and energy?
Step out in faith. Don't be afraid to try serving in new ways.
Commit to your faith community. Find a place where you can belong and contribute consistently.

Remember, serving isn't just about what you can do for others; it's also about what God does in and through you in the process. As you bring your gifts to God's table, you'll likely find that you're shaped and transformed by the experience.

In a culture that often pushes us to build our own platforms and pursue self-glorification, let's instead focus on building up the body of Christ. Let's move from being consumers to contributors, from spectators to participants. As we do, we'll discover the joy and fulfillment that comes from using our God-given gifts to serve others and glorify Him.

The invitation is open. The table is set. What will you bring?