When I was younger, I spent years struggling to discover my purpose in life. In hindsight, this challenge was exacerbated because I was attempting to tackle this issue on my own. Now, I understand that we are not meant to figure out our life’s purpose alone. Instead, God wants us to rely on Him to gain this important clarity. The key to discovering our gifts is to understand how God meant for us to serve Him as a member of the body of Christ. Armed with this comprehension, we can then claim our position – in service to others, in a career, and within our family and community. Watchman Nee, a brilliant Christian evangelist, explained this issue in a recent Daily Devotional.
Discovering Your Calling
He began by quoting scripture.
And having gifts differing according to the grace that was given to us.
– Romans 12.6.
He then stated:
The portion of service which we have in the body of Christ is based on our knowledge of Him. Yet this is not a common knowledge, because a common knowledge of Christ is inadequate. Only a specific knowledge of Him will constitute a specific ministry in serving the body of Christ. Having learned what others have not learned, you receive from the Lord a specific lesson, and with this specific knowledge of Him you may serve. In the human body, for example, the eyes can see, the ears can hear, and the nose can smell. They have their own functions, and thus each has its own portion. Similarly with the members of the body of Christ. Not every member can see or hear or smell; but each member has his own special ability. This, then, is that member’s ministry.
Discovering Our Gifts
Watchman Nee’s devotional thought, grounded in Romans 12:6, is about discovering our gifts. It explores the relationship between spiritual gifts and the unique calling of each believer in the body of Christ. Romans 12:6 states, “And having gifts differing according to the grace that was given to us,” emphasizing that spiritual gifts are diverse and individually tailored by God’s grace. Nee’s reflection on this verse highlights the significance of specific knowledge of Christ in shaping one’s unique ministry. His insight is a powerful reminder that Christian service is not generic or uniform; it flows from a deep, personal experience with God that equips each believer for a distinct purpose within the Church.
Claiming Your Gifts
The passage in Romans 12:6 makes clear that spiritual gifts are not distributed randomly or universally. Instead, they are given according to God’s grace and according to His purpose for each individual. Watchman Nee expands on this idea by arguing that the “portion of service” in the body of Christ is based on a believer’s specific knowledge of Christ.
He makes a critical distinction between “common knowledge” and “specific knowledge” of Christ. Common knowledge refers to the general truths about Christ that all believers hold, such as His divinity, sacrifice, and role as Savior. While these truths are foundational, they are not enough to define a believer’s ministry. A more specific knowledge of Christ—gleaned from personal experiences, trials, and spiritual lessons—is what equips believers for their particular service.
Setting the Stage for Ministry
This deeper, personal knowledge is what sets the stage for ministry. As Watchman Nee points out, “Having learned what others have not learned, you receive from the Lord a specific lesson.” These specific lessons from the Lord are essential for discovering our gifts, as they shape our unique perspective and understanding of Christ, which then forms the foundation of our ministry.
For example, someone who has experienced profound healing may be called to minister to others through encouragement and prayer for healing. Another person, shaped by experiences of loss, may be equipped to offer comfort and counsel to the grieving. Just as the eyes, ears, and nose have their own distinct functions in the human body, each member of the Church has their own function, informed by their unique spiritual journey and knowledge of Christ.
Analogy of the Human Body
Nee’s analogy of the human body is central to understanding the diversity of gifts within the body of Christ. He explains that just as the eyes are designed to see, the ears to hear, and the nose to smell, every member of the Church has a unique role that cannot be replicated by another. This echoes the message of Romans 12:6, where Paul encourages believers to embrace their distinct gifts according to the grace given to them.
The health and effectiveness of the Church depend on this diversity. When each believer serves according to their specific knowledge and calling, the body of Christ functions harmoniously.
Valuing Our Differences
Moreover, Nee’s quote underscores the importance of recognizing and valuing these differences within the Church. Not every member is called to the same ministry or has the same function, just as not every part of the body performs the same task. This diversity is not a weakness but a strength.
When believers serve from their specific knowledge and experiences with Christ, they enrich the entire body of Christ, ensuring that every need is met and every aspect of ministry is covered. It is in this diversity of gifts and ministries that the fullness of Christ’s work is realized within the Church.
Discovering Your Career
This awareness of our unique, God-given gifts can profoundly impact how we pursue a career by encouraging us to seek out paths that align with our specific talents and experiences. When we recognize that our gifts are shaped by the personal lessons we’ve learned from Christ, we gain clarity in understanding where we are best equipped to serve. Just as each part of the body of Christ has a distinct function, we, too, have unique strengths suited to particular roles.
By reflecting on our personal spiritual growth and how God has worked in our lives, we can identify careers where our gifts – whether they be leadership, creativity, empathy, or problem-solving – will thrive. This awareness shifts our focus away from societal pressures or external expectations, guiding us toward careers that feel purposeful and aligned with our inner calling. In other words, discovering our gifts results from listening to the Holy Spirit.
Clarity for Your Family
In building a family, this same understanding helps us embrace the distinct roles each family member plays. Just as we acknowledge our unique gifts, we can nurture and celebrate the individual strengths of our spouse and children, recognizing that each person contributes something special to the family’s overall health and well-being.
By fostering an environment where these gifts are honored and encouraged, we create a family dynamic that is both supportive and balanced. Moreover, this awareness of our spiritual gifts allows us to lead with love and wisdom, seeking to serve one another based on the specific needs and talents of each family member. This creates a household where each person is valued for who they are and empowered to grow into the fullness of their God-given potential.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Watchman Nee’s reflection on Romans 12:6 reminds us that the gifts we have been given are both unique and purposeful, shaped by our specific knowledge of Christ. As believers, our ministries are not determined by generic understandings of faith but by the personal lessons we receive from Christ through His grace. Discovering our gifts and embracing them enables us to contribute meaningfully to the body of Christ and to our individual lives, ensuring that the Church, our career, and our family function in unity with God’s purpose.
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