Growing A Mustard Seed

The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” And the Lord said, “If you had faith like a mustard seed, you would say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and be planted in the sea’; and it would obey you. Luke 17: 5-6

Early in our married life, my husband Mark and I took a test of spiritual gifts. Mark tested very high in the faith gifting. I, on the other hand, tested high in wisdom and exhortation. (Translation: low on the faith score) There is a difference between “talents” and “gifts.” Both are bestowed by God, but one is a natural outpouring of DNA (talent) and the other has been given (gift) for a spiritual purpose to those in the family of God.

Scripture lists these spiritual gifts in three different places: Romans 12:6-8, 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, and 1 Corinthians 12:28. What we see is that we are all equipped with different gifts so that we each can help the Body of Christ grow. Where my gifts are weakest (egged on by my natural tendencies), others can come along and strengthen me. I jokingly say that I have the gift of worry. Sorry, that’s not on the list. As a matter of fact, we are told we needn’t worry…and that it adds nothing. My husband’s gift of faith strengthens that area of my life. And my gifts of exhortation and wisdom will frequently fill in some of the gaps in his gifting.

Rather than being concerned that you don’t have a certain gift, ask the Lord where He wants you to use your unique gifting for the growth of the body of believers.

Prayer
Thank You, Father, for those around me who edify and strengthen where I am weak. And show me where I can best use my gifts for the edification of others. In Jesus’ Powerful Name, Amen!