God Given Gifts

Scripture: “…Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ, we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.”
(Romans 12:3-8)

As I read Peter’s blog on Monday, May 18, “Watchman of the Spring” his entry made me think about the above scripture, and how we each have special talents and gifts that we were given at birth. Throughout our lives, it is up to us to discover what those talents and gifts are - and with the help of the Holy Spirit, act upon and use them in order to bless others around us.

I believe we often operate in our gifts and talents without really realizing it. I have an example of this in my own life. I enjoy writing; it’s something I’ve done and enjoyed since I was very young. Throughout my life I’ve been complimented and encouraged in my writing. My greatest joy comes from encouraging or amusing others in letters and emails. Often my most entertaining writing happens without effort, and it isn’t until someone points out how funny something was that when I re-read it, I see the humor, and crack even myself up.

When Peter first introduced me to this blog and I shared with him that I love to write, I was terrified when he invited me to join the team of authors. Outside of letters and emails, I’ve never written on a given schedule. But I took the challenge, and I believe God is using me to touch others through my writing, a gift He bestowed upon me long ago, and it’s a gift I am honored to serve Him in.

I believe we each have gifts to benefit the kingdom. Some are known, and we currently operate in them, some are yet to be discovered and need to be mined through prayer and a bent ear to the Lord to hear what He has to say. But the gifts we have been bestowed are to help those around us walk a straighter path, walk a stronger walk, learn more about Christ, lift those up who feel defeated in life – the list of benefits goes on.

What is the gift or talent God has given you? Are you operating in it? Have you asked for it? Are you looking for it? “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16)

Let the light of the Lord shine on you as you go along His business! It is through our concerted efforts of operating through our gifts that unbelievers are introduced to Christ in us. More than “good deeds” we also have so much to offer the world around us in big and small ways, with just the right word at the right time, a hand on a hurting one’s shoulder, a prayer shared during a time of need.

Prayer request: That we each discover our gifts and talents so we can encourage and strengthen the church body.

Prayer: Lord, we ask You to help us to operate in the gifts you gave us long ago. For those of us who aren’t sure what they are, we ask for revelation, that you will open up their hearts to what You have for them. Strengthen us as Your body to go forth and spread Your light throughout the world. Amen