"Why do we put such a premium on the platform gifts?"

A thought by John Bevere, from his book, Your God-Given Potential (p. 40). Messenger International, Kindle Edition. (Click on the book title to go to Amazon to buy the book.)

That is a good question. What's the answer?

John says, "They are the 'seen' parts and necessary, but according to the Word of God, they are not the most important."

He goes on, "My friend Stan. . . has a gift of reaching people in the business world, as well as making and giving finances. His gift seems less valuable than a platform gift, and with our established church culture, it’s nonverbally communicated this way. What’s been the typical underlying message in the church? 'Those on the platform are the chosen ones who really have a calling on their life.'

"Think about it. If someone says, 'He or she has a calling on his or her life,' everyone immediately assumes it is the call of a pastor, worship leader, youth leader, Christian author, missionary, and so forth. Upon hearing this statement, very few would think, 'He’s called to the medical field and is discovering new ways to cure cancer.' Or, 'She’s in government establishing laws to protect the advancement of the kingdom.' Or, 'He’s in education seeding the young minds with the knowledge and wisdom of God.' Or, 'She’s called to the marketplace to reach the lost there and to finance the building of the kingdom.'"

He continues, "The consequences of this mindset on gifts are evident: Stan had been in church for years without the realization that he’s just as 'called' as I am. His God-given abilities, though valid, didn’t seem as important because of this unspoken understanding that 'church-related' gifts are more important than others. This needs to change! We are all called and carry the unique gifts needed to fulfill our kingdom assignment."

He later says, "Are we only the church when we are gathered within a building? Are we only a church when we get together to pray, worship, preach, or minister? This paradigm causes people to act one way in this type of setting and revert to a different behavior when in society. We are the church and are equipped with giftings to build the kingdom wherever we are 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year!"

And that is so important for us to see, understand and live out, isn't it?

Yes, yes!

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