But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. (Eph. 4:7)
Expanded Passage: Ephesians 4:7-13
Many years ago, when I applied for graduate school, I did not have a clear career path; I just knew that I loved academia and wanted more of it. When my advisor offered me a teaching assistantship, I cringed because I did not think teaching was for me; however, from the moment I stepped into my first classroom, I knew that this was what I was meant to do. It took a push for me to even try it, but teaching had been my God-given destiny all along. Today, I have the opportunity to influence the upcoming generation and speak truth into young people’s lives. What an immense blessing!
According to the apostle Paul, Christ has not only extended his grace to each of us, but he has also given us gifts to be used in ministering to the body of Christ. His marvelous plan is for us to use our specific gifts to build up one another. When we are reaching out in love to support and mentor our brothers and sisters in Christ, we truly begin to function as his body and become unified.
What are your gifts? Are you using them to minister to the body of Christ? Paul’s list includes ministry-type roles: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. What are your natural abilities? God gave them to you for a reason.
Ask the Lord to show you how to use your gifts.
Lisa Riggs serves as associate professor of English and literature at Oklahoma Wesleyan University. She enjoys visiting with family, writing poetry, and painting landscapes.
© 2025 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
