You(th) are the Church Right Now – May 31, 2023

Read: 1 Corinthians 12:3-11

There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.
1 Corinthians 12:4-6

You(th) are the Church Right Now

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

In the last family devotion, the gift of the Holy Spirit was given on the day of Pentecost. God continues to give the same gift to all believers so all can have saving faith in Jesus as their Savior. While we share the gift of faith, the Holy Spirit also gives each of us all kinds of different gifts and abilities. God wants us to use them to serve one another and to work together so more and more people will be brought to faith through the Holy Spirit.

The next time you attend church, look for the assortment of gifts on display. The pastor proclaims God’s Word while musicians lead songs for the congregation. Church members teach Sunday school, greet visitors, collect offerings, and help hand out worship folders or hold the door open for you. Someone helps with service recordings, and others make coffee and bake snacks for everyone to enjoy.

Many others use their gifts in ways that aren’t as visible. They spend time during the week to clean the inside of church and to cut the grass to keep the church property looking welcoming and nice. Helpers work with pastors and staff to prepare the format of the service and print the bulletins. God has given many different gifts and plenty of ways to use those gifts and talents.

Often young people are called the future of the church. While there is truth in that statement, they are also the church right now. Just because someone is young doesn’t mean they don’t have gifts or aren’t able to serve the church. What are ways for youth to serve in the church? That’s a great question! If you have already found ways at your church, keep it up and encourage your friends and classmates to join you. If you are looking for opportunities, let the staff or leadership at your church know, and they will hopefully be able to find ways to get you connected.

The variety of gifts from the Holy Spirit is not meant for people to compare with one another who has the best or most important gifts. The goal is for all believers, young and old, to recognize the gifts they have been given and to use them for the good of others. Then the Holy Spirit strengthens the unified church family as they grow in the Word and builds God’s Church here on earth and forever in heaven. To God be the glory!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Holy Spirit, we thank you for working in our hearts the most important gift of saving faith. Help our young people to see all the gifts you have given them and to use them to serve others. May we do all things to your glory. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• Name one thing that you are really good at.
• Who gave you the ability to do it?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What is one gift that God has given you that you can use to serve at church?
• Why is it such a blessing that God has given different types of gifts to believers?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• What does it mean that young people are not just the future church, they are the church right now?
• Listen for opportunities for you and your friends to serve at church and talk to your pastor and church leaders about ideas you might have.