Importance of Using Your Gifts.

¹⁴That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

 ¹⁵But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

¹⁶From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love

-Ephesians 4:14-16 (KJV)

In yesterday's post, I wrote about using your spiritual gifts. Today, I want to focus for a few moments on why it is so important for each of us to be using the gifts that we are given. I really think that many of us are just sitting on our gifts. We are either to afraid to use them, or we just don't know what they are. If you don't know what gifts you've been given, then you need to ask. Ask God, He will tell you. If you are afraid to use those gifts, and you know what they are, is it because you don't really trust God?

Paul writes in verse 14, "That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;" Paul is teaching that we must not be like children. Children will follow everyone, because they do not know better. Unfortunately, many Christians are exactly the same. Someone comes into their church, or onto their TV, with a fancy suit, slicked back hair, a big smile and an easy vocal tone. That preacher can say anything he wants and many will follow. Why? Because they don't know any better. Paul says, "Don't be like that!" Don't be tossed around with every wind of doctrine. Don't be tossed around by the teaching of man. 

Look at verse 15, "But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:" We need to speak the truth. So that we may grow into the people God wants us to be. If you are not using your gifts because you are afraid to use them, or don't know them, then you may be hindering someone from growing in their faith.

Verse 16 says, "From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love." The whole body (the church) is joined together, supplied by each and every part. If one part is not doing its job, then all parts suffer. Are you doing your part? Are you doing what God has called you to do? Are you using your spiritual gifts?  Are you growing in your walk with Him today? Can you spot a false doctrine? Think About It.