As each of you has received a gift (a particular spiritual talent, a gracious divine endowment), employ it for one another as [befits] good trustees of God's many-sided grace—faithful stewards of the extremely diverse [powers and gifts granted to Christians by] unmerited favor.
(1 Peter 4:10 AMP)

From the prophetic signs happening every day, it seems Jesus is soon to return. That is why I feel such an urgency about each member of the Body of Christ finding his place and remaining faithful, so we can be productive in God's Kingdom. I believe this is the hour of the local church.

The local church is the hub from which all ministry gifts are to function and the center out of which they are to flow. In the local church, you find what is needed to build the character of Christ in us. Each member of the Body of Christ should discover his gift and calling and become fully connected to a local church. These members are then to submit one to another and to the God-called pastors and leaders there.

When I was serving as associate pastor and people would come into my office desiring to become part of our local church body, my first question was, "What church do you come from, and who was your pastor?"

You can tell what type of Christian you are dealing with by the answer you get. Millions of Christians attend church services only on Sunday mornings and are not committed physically or spiritually to that church. Their reasons for attending range from tradition to religious duty to social acceptance in the community. Going to church once a week eases their consciences of religious obligations.

Think what could happen in this country if those people would get on fire for God and begin to release their gifts and talents in the Body! We would see the world reached much more quickly with the Gospel.

Developing the Spirit of an Armorbearer

You may feel that you have nothing to offer your local church, but that is never true of anyone. Each born-again believer has something to offer that is unique. Each Christian has a call on his life, which will become apparent once he is involved in a church. Ask yourself these questions:
  • What part am I to play?
  • Where can I get involved?
  • What resources do I have available?
  • What opportunities lie before me?
  • What do the leaders of my local church need from me?
  • How many times have they asked me for help? How many times have I volunteered?
The key is to start where you are. The best way to step into the ministry God has for you is to ask leadership where you can help.
Father God, thank You that according to 1 Peter 4:10, I have already received "a particular spiritual talent," which can be employed to bless others within my local church. Lead me to the right leader under whom You'd have me serve, and guide me to opportunities to exercise this gift. I offer it freely to bless others and to glorify You. Amen.
Source: God's Armorbearer Devotional by Terry Nance
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers