Ministering God’s Gifts
OPENING PRAYER:
Dear Lord, in your infinite wisdom you have equipped each of us differently to enable us to meet the needs of a diverse world. Please help us to seek you in community, and in doing so, discover our gifts and serve in this broken world to the best of our abilities.
“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.” Romans 12:6-8 (NIV)
REFLECT:
A question I’ve pondered off and on throughout my life is, “What do I want to be when I grow up?” Over the years the answer to my question often changed, anywhere from being a professional golfer, to a teacher, to someone who anonymously stocks the shelves at a grocery store. I’m closer to fifty now than I am forty, and while I’m still not certain about what I want to be when I grow up, my time spent in community with other Christ followers has been valuable in better understanding how God has gifted me.
Before being in community I was trying to figure everything out on my own, including whether or not I was in the right career. The problem with that is it was difficult for me to identify my own gifts. Pride and fear clouded my judgment about my own areas of strength and weakness. In community, especially over time, fellow Christ-followers were able to see the real me. Through our trusting relationship with honest feedback, I was finally able to understand how God had gifted me for this world.
As it turns out, God has gifted me with servant-heartedness. While I still may not be certain what I want to be when I grow up, I can honestly say approaching everything I do from the perspective of being a servant has opened up more fulfillment than I could have ever imagined.
APPLY:
Are you unsure whether you have God-given gifts, or do you have no idea what they might be? If so, pray for God to reveal his gifts to you, but don’t stop there. Find a group of people who you trust and know to pray as well. Prayer and honest, thoughtful conversation with other Christ-followers might be just the thing to help you see what God has planned for you.
CLOSING PRAYER:
Thank you Jesus for equipping each and every one of us with talents or temperaments needed to further your kingdom in this world. Please help us use your gifts to love and care for others like you love and care for us.