My dad had a construction company. My uncle was a great carpenter, and my brother was a master woodworker. So naturally, I followed in their footsteps and took up the guitar. I didn't follow suit by doing the same thing they did. I followed suit by doing what I was gifted in and passionate about, just like they did. Unlike the rest of my family, my carpentry skills consist mostly of hitting my thumb with a hammer. But when I strum my guitar in worship, I feel like I’m hitting the nail on the head. I love to use my gifts to minister to others. Plus, it saves my thumbs.
God gives each of us a unique set of gifts, talents, personalities, passions, and abilities. We’re called to use each of those to serve others. It’s what brings us fulfillment and fruitfulness. It’s what God designed us for.
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Eph 2:10
The works God has prepared for us are present wherever we are, wherever we go, and in every sphere of culture. This is the essence of the Seven Mountain Mandate - our calling to impact and influence society in seven key areas (government, media, education, business, family, arts and entertainment, and religion). It expresses the true “priesthood of the believer,” that we are all ministers and ambassadors in our mountain of influence.
We are to be Christ’s representatives wherever our gifts, passions, and callings take us. The bible tells us:
Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:10.
In today’s spiritual revival and societal reformation, believers across every cultural sphere are using their gifts and experiences. Unpacking this verse helps us maximize our influence in every sphere and circumstance.
“Each one should use” Every believer is uniquely gifted by God for a purpose. Using our gifts isn’t just for a few professional “ministers.” We all need to function fully for the body of Christ to be healthy and effective.
Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it… as each and every part does its job. 1 Cor 12:27, Eph 4:16
Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them… Romans 12:6
“Whatever gift he has received” The Holy Spirit distributes our gifts to us. They are not earned and are unique to each believer. Like our salvation, they are “not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast.” Eph 2:8-9
But each has his own gift from God, one of one kind and another of another. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. 1 Corinthians 7:7, Romans 12:6
There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. 1 Corinthians 12:4-7.
“To serve others” Spiritual gifts are not meant for personal glory but for building others up in the faith. Satan was Lucifer (light-bearer). He was gifted to reflect and give glory to God, but he took the glory to himself in pride and rebellion.
The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve. Mark 10:45
Serve one another humbly in love. Galatians 5:13
“Faithfully administering” In the true Church, every member is a minister, called to steward God’s gifts by serving, encouraging, healing, praying, and witnessing. Church leaders aren’t called to do all the ministry but to “equip God’s people to do his work,” to “ad-minister” the works of Jesus in everyday life. (Eph 4:12)
Use it or lose it. Jesus chastised the unfaithful servant who squandered his talents but rewarded those who used theirs diligently. To them, He spoke the words we all long to hear: “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matt. 25:21).
“God’s grace in its various forms” God’s grace is multifaceted and displayed through different gifts, passions, and callings. There are as many places and ways to serve as there are people. Every sphere of cultural influence has a deep need for believers to stand up and re-present the kingdom and godly values.
God’s wisdom should be made known in its rich variety. Ephesians 3:10
Businessmen like Donald Trump and Elon Musk are stepping up to instill biblical values of honesty, integrity, and good stewardship in government, business, and finance. The new administration has opened up opportunities for believers to use their gifts in all spheres of influence in every cultural mountain.
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