Our Spiritual Gifts & Maturity
We often struggle to accept people who sin differently than us. But just as challenging—maybe even more so—is accepting people whose gifts look nothing like ours. We can get uncomfortable around those who are wired in ways we don’t understand, but the truth is, the Church only works as God intended when we embrace that diversity. Imagine a puzzle with missing pieces. Even if you had most of them in place, the picture would still feel unfinished. That’s how the Church looks when we neglect the gifts God has placed in others—or in ourselves.
God designed the Church to be interdependent. Like a body made up of many parts, we are called not to independence, but to unity in diversity. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 12:12-14 that although we are many parts, we form one body in Christ. Every person, every gift matters. Just like a hand can’t say to the foot, “I don’t need you,” we can’t dismiss someone else’s contribution because it’s unfamiliar or inconvenient. And we certainly can’t sit on our own gift and expect the body to function fully.
Comparison is a trap. Some people envy other believers’ gifts; others minimize their own. But that’s not what God calls us to. Instead, we’re invited to see our uniqueness as essential and our differences as strengths. In the human body, if one part shuts down, the whole body feels it. In the Church, it’s the same. Your role, no matter how small it feels, carries weight—and so does the role of your neighbor.
Paul continues in 1 Corinthians 12:25-27 by reminding us that when one member suffers, the whole body suffers. And when one rejoices, all should celebrate. That kind of mutual support isn’t just a nice idea—it’s a spiritual necessity. We’re better when we move together. How might your encouragement strengthen someone else’s confidence? How can your presence in a ministry team create space for another person to thrive?
The early Church understood this beautifully. In Acts 2:42-47, believers shared what they had, lived life together, and served the community with radical generosity. The result? Lives were changed. People encountered the love and power of Jesus in action—not just words. That kind of church isn’t a relic of the past. It’s possible now, right here at OWC. It starts when we stop ignoring God’s nudges and start acting on them, even if it means stepping out of our comfort zones.
We love the idea of miracles, but we hesitate to take the first step—like praying boldly for healing or offering to serve in unfamiliar ways. But your comfort is not God’s goal. His glory is. And often, it’s in the stretching that His glory shines brightest. Think of a rowing team—they only move forward effectively when every member is in sync. The same is true for the Church. We can’t make progress unless we’re working together toward the same mission.
This theme of collaboration runs throughout Scripture. Moses needed Aaron and Miriam. Paul needed Silas and Timothy. Deborah needed Barak, and the early Church needed the full range of spiritual gifts—teaching, hospitality, prophecy, healing—all working together. None of them went it alone. Each person brought their gift to the table, and God multiplied the impact.
At OWC, we’re already seeing these gifts in motion:
Caroline and Reina bring warmth and welcome through First Impressions.
Shawn, Hannah, Denise, Janean, and Mark build bridges through ESL.
Dillon, Jesse, and Brenda are shaping students’ lives through StudentLife.
Andrew, Denise, Chris, Jesse, and Jeremy serve so well musically during our worship services.
Marsha, Danielle, Dave, Brenda, Abraham, and Miriam serve behind the scenes and at events.
These aren’t just tasks — they are testimonies to God’s design for interdependence.
So here’s the challenge: Are you playing your part in the body of Christ? Are you using your gifts—or are you waiting for someone else to step up? As we wrap up today, take a moment to ask God where He wants you to serve. Maybe it’s time to take a spiritual gifts assessment. Maybe it’s time to join or even start a ministry team. Or maybe it’s time to mentor someone who’s still figuring it all out. Whatever it is, don’t hold back. The body needs you. Let’s move forward—together.