Today’s Devotional: “Why God Raises Up”

The Bible says the Holy Spirit gives us various gifts, talents, and offices within the body of Christ.

“There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all.” (1 Corinthians 12:4-7)

God doesn’t give us His gifts, talents, and ministries to exalt ourselves; rather, He gives them “for the profit of all,” that is, to help His church.

This being the case, let’s not think we’re all that and more because of what God has so graciously bestowed. The Apostle Paul said, “Through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.” (Romans 12:3)

This was something the greatest king of Israel knew to be true. King David realized that God had established him not for his sake or to exalt Himself above others, but to make his kingdom great for the sake of His people.

“So David knew that the Lord had established him as king over Israel, for his kingdom was highly exalted for the sake of His people Israel.” (1 Chronicles 14:2)

When God gives us a ministry, let’s remember that He’s not giving it to us for our sake or to exalt us; rather, He’s giving it to us so we can use it for the sake of His kingdom and His people.

Therefore, we need to humble ourselves before the Lord, and He will lift us up for His kingdom’s sake (James 4:10).