1 November 2025
“Let the cross humble you and the resurrection empower you to serve Christ’s body.”
The gospel does not stay in our heads. It takes root in our hearts. It moves into our hands. This is why Mark Penrith says, “Your spiritual gift is not for you.” The world wants us to use our gifts for reputation or personal fulfilment. But the gospel tells a different story. “God gives gifts so we can serve others.” When the church serves, the gospel becomes visible.
The cross is the starting point. It humbles us. Paul writes, “For by the grace given to me, I tell everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he should think.” Mark says, “The cross reveals your true state. You are far more sinful and flawed than you ever dared believe.” Pride cannot survive before Calvary. At the cross, we see our rebellion and our rescue. “You are far more loved and valued than you ever dared hope.” The cross crushes pride and frees us to love.
But the cross does not leave us alone. It unites us. Paul says, “We who are many are one body in Christ and individually members of one another.” Mark explains, “Your life is now tethered to every other life in this room.” The church is not a collection of individuals. It is a body. “Pride is like cancer to the body metaphor.” Pride divides. Grace unites. When we serve each other, the world sees a family built by God.
Then the resurrection moves us into action. Spiritual gifts are resurrection gifts. Paul writes, “According to the grace given to us, we have different gifts.” Mark says, “This is an invitation to use the power God supplies.” Teaching, giving, leading, mercy, exhorting, helping, organising. “No one is left giftless. Everyone gets something.” You serve, not in your own strength, but through resurrection power.
This is why refusing to serve is no small thing. Mark warns, “To refuse to serve is to reject the resurrection’s power.” Serving is how we show we believe Jesus lives. Serving is how we display the gospel. When we serve each other, we preach without words. The humble mind. The united body. The helping hands. “This vibrant picture of service is the gospel of Jesus Christ on display.”
So look to the cross. Be humbled. Look to the empty tomb. Be empowered. Then serve His body for His glory.
Prayer:
Lord, let the cross humble my heart and let the resurrection empower my hands. Make my life a living picture of the gospel. Amen.