Spiritual Shape

Jeremiah 1:5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you.”

This last Sunday, Pastor Obie continued in our church’s sermon series “Make Your Mark in the Kingdom of God”. From Conception, Creator God shaped us with intention and purpose, uniquely designed and formed for specific tasks in the kingdom ministry of the Lord for each of us to put into practice daily and accomplish for His glory. This is what is meant in Ephesians 2:10  says, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” But, do we know our God-given shape?

Psalm 139:16 “Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them.”

There is a common misunderstanding that “ministry” is for pastors and priests, but may the true be known that you and I were made for ministry (the ecclesiastical function through the agency or service of a minister of the gospel). The original Greek word is “diakonia”, meaning: service, ministry. The church is not the clergy or the “brick and mortar” but the body of Christ, and every member (every child of God) is in the business of serving the Lord in ministry, led by the Holy Spirit and delivering the gospel of Jesus Christ. We were all here for ministry. We are here by no cosmic accident and did not evolved from complex molecules or chemicals of some primordial soup, but were designed and formed by the Creator God of heaven and earth.  

1 Corinthians 12:11 “But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.”

Pastor Obie explained that God has given us a unique S.H.A.P.E. (five things to discover that, when understood, will help us in ministry. (S) = unique Specific Spiritual Gifts to employ, (H) = a unique Heart for care and compassion, (A) = unique Abilities to excel, (P) = a unique Personality to reach others, and (E) unique Experiences to gain knowledge, to grow, and to mature for kingdom ministry work. 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 says: “There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all.” The Almighty, out of His mercy and grace, gives the four gifts of forgiveness, eternal life, the indwelling Holy Spirit and Spiritual gifts for ministering to others.

Romans 12:4-5 “For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.”

Why is it important to know and use your spiritual gifts? (1) Because God designed us to serve and make an impact in His kingdom. Sports teams invest great amounts of time and money to gain the optimum efficiency of their athletes. Exercise your God-given gifts and talents. (2) Because it is good for our fellow man. Everyone is needed and necessary. Fulfill your calling by blessing others. (3) Because it is good for you. Using your spiritual gifts in ministry affects your whole being; creating greater self-esteem, lower depression and better heath all around. You cannot steer a parked car, so get involved with the Lord’s ministry and use them, fulfilling your role as a child of God and citizen of Heaven.

John 15:8 “By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.”

What did God shape you to do and what shape are you in? What are you going to do with your life? Are you living the life that God intended, designed and shaped you for? Focus your life on the greater way. The gifts that God gives us are for the purpose in which they were given to us. Impact your world for Christ and make your mark in the kingdom.

In Christ, Brian