There is a very interesting verse in Colossians, almost presented as an afterthought by Paul.
17 And say to Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.” Colossians 4:17 (NKJV)
The presentation in the Lexham English Bible is more pointed.
17 And tell Archippus, “Direct your attention to the ministry that you received in the Lord, in order that you may complete it.” Colossians 4:17 (LEB)
Paul is consistent in that he gives a similar encouragement to Timothy.
5 But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. 2 Timothy 4:5 (NKJV)
While on the surface the primary point is the need to direct or give our attention to the ministry we are called to, there is an important subtext. That subtext is that we each have a ministry or calling. However, if we are unaware of what our calling is directing our attention to it is a difficult task. Over the years there have been various tools developed to help us discern the gifts that we carry. While we can fill out and labour over surveys there is another approach we can use. In Matthew 6:21 Jesus told us that our heart follows our treasure. That is, we all value certain things yet Jesus is telling us in the passage to set right priorities and choose to value the right things. This means pursuing His heart through His word, worship and fellowship. When we do this our gifts begin to emerge and it is easier to direct out attention to them.
There are a few lists of gifts in the NT, Romans 12:6-8, 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, Ephesians 4:11and 1 Peter. 4:11. Some are viewed as bestowed by the Spirit as needed in the moment and others as inherent motivational gifts, aspects of who and what we are. Paul illustrates some motivational gifts for us in Romans 12. I think they are illustrative rather than exhaustive but the important part is how he encourages us to use them.
6 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; 7 or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; 8 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)
The gifts we carry, commensurate with our calling, need to be developed and their development comes about when we direct our attention to their use. For example, I know my gift is not hospitality. I enjoy spending time with people, I don’t enjoy preparing our home to host people. I do it because I think it is important, yet I know that unlike with me, it comes naturally to many. However, I do carry a desire to help people and I am very willing to help, to teach, to counsel, and similar things. Thus, these are the areas where I direct my attention.
I know the calling of some of you who read this, not all. Yet I also know that as we seek His heart our gifts and callings emerge and most importantly, I know that you carry a calling. Given that, pursue it and direct your attention to it that you may fulfill it. After all, as Paul wrote, we are His workmanship and He has prepared good for us to do.
10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10 (NKJV)
