The Gift of Helps: How to be a Co-laborer for the Kingdom Instead of a Bystander | Northlands Church

The Gift of Helps: How to be a Co-laborer for the Kingdom Instead of a Bystander

February 06, 2018 | Brittany Deegan

The Gift of Helps: How to be a Co-laborer for the Kingdom Instead of a Bystander

by: Brittany Deegan

In a world of self-consumption and consumerism, how can we recognize the calling God has on our life in order to contribute our time, talents, energy, and resources for the body of Christ? How can we become co-laborers with Christ in order to launch the Kingdom into greater expansion while loving the bride like God loves her?

All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it. Here are some of the parts God has appointed for the church: first are apostles, second are prophets, third are teachers, then those who do miracles, those who have the gift of healing, those who can help others, those who have the gift of leadership, those who speak in unknown languages. 1 Corinthians 12:27-28

Imagine what church would be like if there were no helpers, no volunteers, no one to step up and say, “here I am, choose me…” How long could a church like that survive? How could a church grow and expand for the Kingdom without helpers giving of their time and talents? Without helpers plowing the soil for the seed to be planted, how could the Kingdom expand and make a significant impact in the world? Every person in the body has a role and each role plays an integral part in supporting the other (1 Cor. 12:12). The church specifically names one of these roles as helpers or helps (1 Cor. 12:28). These are the people who are available and willing; they are generous with their time and energy, giving of themselves wherever they are needed. Helpers are the men and women on the ground, they are the infantry, the ones who may not get all the recognition or attention but who know that every member is key in contributing to the church as a whole. As a member of the body we are called to give aid and support to the bride and when we give with the right motivations the Lord sees us…

Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.” (Luke 6:38)

When we walk in our grace gifts we are launched into a stronger anointing to accomplish great tasks for the Kingdom. Giving of ourselves is not based on our works in order to earn God’s favor and approval; we already have that through the blood of Christ. Giving help and support to the church is birthed out of abiding in Christ and learning to love what he loves, his bride!

We not only have the capability to give generously because Christ lives in us, but we also have the capacity because we are made in his image.

When we follow the Holy Spirit’s leading to build up the church with our time, energy, talents, and resources we will have front row seats in watching our maker not only expand his kingdom, but launch us personally into a new upgrade of growth, promotion and responsibility. Aiding the church will not only change your engagement from bystander to co-laborer but will help you to experience personal growth in a number of ways. It will teach you to:

-Be more flexible

-Learn your true strengths and talents

-Make you more compassionate

-Participate in opportunities to advance the Kingdom of God

Take a moment to be still before the Lord today and learn to love what he loves. Pray you would see from his heavenly perspective. Where is he leading you to give of your help and support to the bride in this season? Be present, be available, be ready to offer your help and watch God launch you into a new season of personal growth through serving his beloved bride!

https://northlandschurch.com/watch/sunday-morning/ministry-of-helps-giving-aid-and-support

Questions for Reflection….

How can I apply the unique gifts and strengths God has given me towards the church?

What misconceptions do I think are prevalent about the gift of “helps”?

How might the church grow and thrive if I committed myself to co-laboring with the bride?

What little things is God asking me to do at this time in order to promote me to greater responsibility?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, you have given me unique strengths and talents for the purpose of bringing you glory and expanding your Kingdom. Help me to step forward with courage and commitment into the direction you would have me offer my help. Show me the hidden joys of what it means to serve the bride and love her as you do. I pray you would reveal to me the unique giftings you have placed on my life and the importance of engaging with them in order to build up others and strengthen your bride. I pray I would be committed in the little things you have called me to so I can bear more responsibility for greater Kingdom expansion in the future. Amen.

 

© 2024 Northlands Church and Brittany Deegan. Permission to share so long as credit is given.