"Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are not wise" (2 Cor. 10:12, ESV).
"...We are unworthy slaves; we have done only that which we ought to have done" (Luke 17:10, NASB).
We are all "members, one of another," and individually too, as God preserves our personality and works with what we have to make us different one from another (cf. Romans 12:4). There is no "one-size-fits-all" method of serving the body, but everyone must find their domain of service and praise God accordingly, for it doesn't matter the gift, but the spirit in which it is used. Everyone fits in someway! Like Mother Teresa, the ultimate caregiver, said, "It doesn't matter what you do, but how much love you put into it!" Galatians 5:6, NIV, says that "all that matters is faith working through love." We all are built differently and should be faithful to the faculties, inclinations, and turfs we have been granted.
And so we are not to compare ourselves one with another and think we are meant to be clones of each other--even children are individuals with a personality and gift all their own. We do not all have the same function and are built differently, to relate to Christ's body as He sees fit--actually, it's the Holy Spirit who assigns gifts to each of us individually. Paul goes on to say that one who leads, should do so in zeal accordingly. We all are given a measure of faith (cf. Romans 12:3) and are required to make good on it and bring forth fruit as its byproduct. Jesus has a lot invested in us, and likewise, we are to venture to take stock of how much we have invested in others and be faithful. We are not going to be rewarded according to our faith, but according to its byproduct, our good deeds, according to Romans 2:6.
There can be jealousy and factions in the body if the members are maladjusted or trying to do something they aren't designed for--this is the ultimate in frustration and can lead to discouragement. Never are we to let it go to our head that we are a cut above other believers by having a superior gift, and they are but poor specimens, because of whom much is given, much is required (cf. Luke 12:48). Some members are highly affectionate and demonstrative in emotional appeal and sentiment as part of their disposition; while others are naturally stoical and inhibited, maybe because they haven't gotten out of their shell yet or realize their potential.
Cultures vary quite a lot on the amount of touch permitted or approved. I know I wouldn't like it if some man walked up to me and gave me a kiss! We are free to love Jesus as we know how and we don't have to be someone else or try to pretend affection or have an affectation--love must be genuine. Natural affection is suited best to the body and believers need to just be themselves--God can and will change people over time, but it's not to be under duress or coerced.
People are wired differently; some are natural servants and helpers, and see ways to help and be of service; others are born leaders and know how to take charge and show it convincingly. The point is that we are not to think we have a superior gift, though some have more responsibilities, and some have higher callings (but there's no caste system in the body) like missions, evangelism, and ministry, but the body is to fit together in unity to fulfill the Great Commission. Romans 12:3 says, "For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned."
When you look at the story of Mary and practical Martha, and how Jesus rebuked her in that Mary had "chosen the better part" (to express her love and devotion), and it "will not be taken from her." It is obvious that Jesus wants us and not our service--He wants to be with us in fellowship, taking time to be holy. I have heard it said that He doesn't want our achievements, but our obedience. The obedience demanded is love from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith (cf. 1 Tim. 1:5), which is the fulfillment of the Law of Moses as Paul said in Rom. 13:10. What does He require, but to love Him and to love our neighbor--especially our brethren in Christ?
We can show love in many ways: e.g., giving and receiving gifts; words of affirmation; quality time spent; physical touch and gesture; and by acts of service and devotion. In short, we are all unique persons in Christ and express our love in many ways or all ways, but certainly in some way! I believe there is no one certain way of expressing love that trumps the others, they are all subject to the personality of the giver and recipient. We need to see how God has equipped us and serve Him accordingly. At the Judgment Seat of Christ, we can joyfully hope to hear that we are good and faithful servants, and have done that which was required. In sum, what Jesus wants is you, so be yourself--you're not fooling anyone! Soli Deo Gloria!
"...We are unworthy slaves; we have done only that which we ought to have done" (Luke 17:10, NASB).
We are all "members, one of another," and individually too, as God preserves our personality and works with what we have to make us different one from another (cf. Romans 12:4). There is no "one-size-fits-all" method of serving the body, but everyone must find their domain of service and praise God accordingly, for it doesn't matter the gift, but the spirit in which it is used. Everyone fits in someway! Like Mother Teresa, the ultimate caregiver, said, "It doesn't matter what you do, but how much love you put into it!" Galatians 5:6, NIV, says that "all that matters is faith working through love." We all are built differently and should be faithful to the faculties, inclinations, and turfs we have been granted.
And so we are not to compare ourselves one with another and think we are meant to be clones of each other--even children are individuals with a personality and gift all their own. We do not all have the same function and are built differently, to relate to Christ's body as He sees fit--actually, it's the Holy Spirit who assigns gifts to each of us individually. Paul goes on to say that one who leads, should do so in zeal accordingly. We all are given a measure of faith (cf. Romans 12:3) and are required to make good on it and bring forth fruit as its byproduct. Jesus has a lot invested in us, and likewise, we are to venture to take stock of how much we have invested in others and be faithful. We are not going to be rewarded according to our faith, but according to its byproduct, our good deeds, according to Romans 2:6.
There can be jealousy and factions in the body if the members are maladjusted or trying to do something they aren't designed for--this is the ultimate in frustration and can lead to discouragement. Never are we to let it go to our head that we are a cut above other believers by having a superior gift, and they are but poor specimens, because of whom much is given, much is required (cf. Luke 12:48). Some members are highly affectionate and demonstrative in emotional appeal and sentiment as part of their disposition; while others are naturally stoical and inhibited, maybe because they haven't gotten out of their shell yet or realize their potential.
Cultures vary quite a lot on the amount of touch permitted or approved. I know I wouldn't like it if some man walked up to me and gave me a kiss! We are free to love Jesus as we know how and we don't have to be someone else or try to pretend affection or have an affectation--love must be genuine. Natural affection is suited best to the body and believers need to just be themselves--God can and will change people over time, but it's not to be under duress or coerced.
People are wired differently; some are natural servants and helpers, and see ways to help and be of service; others are born leaders and know how to take charge and show it convincingly. The point is that we are not to think we have a superior gift, though some have more responsibilities, and some have higher callings (but there's no caste system in the body) like missions, evangelism, and ministry, but the body is to fit together in unity to fulfill the Great Commission. Romans 12:3 says, "For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned."
When you look at the story of Mary and practical Martha, and how Jesus rebuked her in that Mary had "chosen the better part" (to express her love and devotion), and it "will not be taken from her." It is obvious that Jesus wants us and not our service--He wants to be with us in fellowship, taking time to be holy. I have heard it said that He doesn't want our achievements, but our obedience. The obedience demanded is love from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith (cf. 1 Tim. 1:5), which is the fulfillment of the Law of Moses as Paul said in Rom. 13:10. What does He require, but to love Him and to love our neighbor--especially our brethren in Christ?
We can show love in many ways: e.g., giving and receiving gifts; words of affirmation; quality time spent; physical touch and gesture; and by acts of service and devotion. In short, we are all unique persons in Christ and express our love in many ways or all ways, but certainly in some way! I believe there is no one certain way of expressing love that trumps the others, they are all subject to the personality of the giver and recipient. We need to see how God has equipped us and serve Him accordingly. At the Judgment Seat of Christ, we can joyfully hope to hear that we are good and faithful servants, and have done that which was required. In sum, what Jesus wants is you, so be yourself--you're not fooling anyone! Soli Deo Gloria!