Difference between gift and ministry

As soon as a brother mounts the platform you know immediately whether he is a gifted brother or a brother with a ministry. In Southeast Asia people use a knife to cut or tap the rubber tree. Through the wound made by the knife the life of the tree flows forth. This daily event in the jungle can be used to illustrate a ministry in the body of Christ. After one has passed through woundings and fiery trials of every sort, he has life to impart to others. In order to have a strong Church, what is needed is not gifts but ministry of life. In a young church, spiritual gifts may manifest themselves in the beginning stages; but though there is much enthusiasm, there is not much life. On the other hand, you may see a brother who is not eloquent. You feel concerned and think of replacing him with someone else. Yet in him there is a ministry, for what he manifests is not gift but life. As the Church grows in stature, many ministers will be manifested; with the result that much life is supplied. Every brother should learn to discern the difference between ministry and gift. The Church needs to have many ministries raised up. A young church does indeed need gifted brothers, but we should not allow such a state to continue long. For gift is temporary, only ministry is lasting. (W. Nee, Revive Thy Work, CFP).