The Bible’s Songbook

The devil likes to make us think we are worthless—that God can’t use us in His kingdom. He makes us think regular people like us don’t have anything to contribute to the church, the body of Christ.

This is a lie. We all have something to contribute. When we put our trust in Christ as our Savior, the Holy Spirit blesses us with spiritual gifts. We were also born with certain abilities and attributes. From the beginning of our lives, God prepares us as His people for special purposes in His service.

Take a look at Romans 12:6-8. In this passage, Paul lists some of the spiritual gifts God has given us. Every gift is important and needed, and we can use these gifts in many ways in the church.

If your gift is teaching, maybe you can serve in a children’s class at church. If you have an outgoing personality and a merciful heart, you could welcome people to the church—leading them to their classrooms and helping them plug into the church. Maybe you could lead the church food drive or help plan a children’s event. Or you might try mentoring and praying with people who are going through a rough time.

There are many, many ways you can serve your local church. You don’t have to be a certain age, and you don’t need a genius IQ. All you need is a willing spirit. Ask God for direction about where He would have you serve. Then, talk to your pastor or youth leader about ways you can help your local church. God will lead you to the right spot for you to serve. • Sharon Rene

• What prevents you from serving in your church? Fear, lack of confidence, or something else?

• What do you like to do? What are you good at? Make a list of your talents.

• How can these talents be put to use in your local church?

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)

Read Verses:

Psalm 46