“For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them …” Romans 12:4-6 (NKJV)

Growing up in church, my deepest desire was to be used by God. Yet through comparison culture, the enemy convinced me that because of (insert the long list of my shortcomings here), I wasn’t making a significant impact in the Kingdom.

I battled this mentality for years until one day, as I was comparing myself to a specific person, God gently reminded me, “I made you both.” In that moment, friend, I was liberated by this truth:

There is no competition in the Kingdom of God.

God’s Word intentionally refers to His people as “the body” of Christ. In Romans 12:4-5, Paul states, “For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.” Because of their different purposes, all parts of the body are essential for its success.

Did you know the smallest bone in the human body rests in your middle ear, measuring just 3 millimeters by 2.5 millimeters? If size indicated significance, we could quickly dismiss this tiny bone as unnecessary. Yet without it, we would experience severe hearing loss.

As Christ followers, we’re each called to minister to our circles of influence with our gifts. (1 Peter 4:10-11) I wonder how many members of the body are unable to hear what God is speaking because we allow comparison, competition and our resulting insecurities to keep us from releasing what He has placed within us?

How different history could be if the Bible’s hidden heroes hadn’t obeyed God’s call. We know the legacy of Moses but rarely hear about Shiphrah and Puah, two midwives whose faithfulness to God saved Moses in infancy. (Exodus 1:17) We speak of Elijah’s bravery but rarely discuss how it was the simple obedience of Ahab’s servant, Obadiah, that brought Elijah to Mount Carmel. (1 Kings 18) Could it be that a Kingdom moment is awaiting your willingness to say “yes” to God’s purposes for you?

Friend, don’t allow the enemy to silence you, or to suppress what you’re carrying for Christ, with feelings of insignificance. You are essential to the success of the body, and he knows that. Whatever gift you’ve been given, be willing to share it.

“Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.” (Romans 12:6-8, NKJV)

It could mean preaching to thousands from a platform or sharing your testimony with a friend over lunch. It could mean writing a worship song that reaches nations or singing scriptures over your little ones as they drift off to sleep.

Kingdom success is not measured with earthly standards. If your obedience leads just one person to Jesus, all of heaven rejoices. That is significance in the Kingdom.

Lord, thank You for every gift You placed within me. Forgive me when I allow the trap of comparison to keep me from stewarding Your gifts well. When the enemy makes me feel insignificant, remind me that, through You, I am uniquely equipped and empowered to accomplish Your purposes on earth. Thank You for allowing me to be a part of Your Kingdom story and bring You glory. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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FOR DEEPER STUDY

1 Corinthians 12:17-18, “If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be.” (NIV)

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

What is one thing you’re carrying — whether a gift, service, testimony or message — that you feel God is calling you to share in this season? What is one way or one person with whom you can share your gifts to bless others and bring God glory today? Let us know in the comments!

© 2022 by Savannah Gwinn-Wright. All rights reserved.