You Have a Gift
Fill in the blank. I wish I could ________ . No matter how old you are there is something about wanting to know that you are good at something. Not just something, but something that matters. Something that makes a difference. And let’s be honest, most of us would like at least a little attention and accolade for what we do. Unfortunately, there is little applause for the one who says, “I am good at encouraging others.”
I can remember sitting in a circle among friends and family answering the question: What is one thing you believe you are good at? My heart sank. I felt inferior to the success that surround me, blurting out the first thing that came to mind. “I am a good mom!” I thought it was a great answer, but the looks I received around the room (whether in my imagination or reality) confirmed my fear. I have no idea what I am doing or what I am good at. Since that time, God has reassured me that being a mom and wife is the greatest calling ever placed on my life. I will save that topic for another blog at another time.
The point is, I felt purposeless. The problem is, I had great purpose, but I let the world define my worth. Perhaps this was the beginning of a much-needed heart change to my people-pleasing persona.
“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” – Romans 12:2
It’s a good question. What are you good at? Before you answer, read Romans 12:2 again. There is nothing wrong with being good at sports, the arts, cooking, your career, or even putting together a stand-out gorgeous outfit. But if you want these things to matter, you’ve got to put aside the world’s view of your success and couple your talent with your gift from God – for God.
All people have certain talents. It’s what you are good at. Only followers of Christ have spiritual gifts. What an awesome distinction. If you are a believer, you have a gift! It’s the key difference in doing what your good at and doing what your good at with purpose. It is an awesome responsibility. Your God-given gift has an important purpose – to serve and strengthen others. It is the combination of your talents, skills, circumstances and gifts that God wants to use for his kingdom. The question is, will you let him?
“So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” – 1 Corinthians 10
It is so easy to get caught up in the world around us. Before we know it, we are on a self-serving track forgetting all we have is from God. And all we give, should be back to him. I know, because I’ve been there. I’ve run the super-woman marathon to worldly success, forgetting that my gifts are not for me.
“A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.” – 1 Corinthians 12:7
If you continue to read Paul’s letter to the Corinthian church, you’ll find he mentions a variety of spiritual gifts. His letter to the body of believers in Christ was meant to keep the church on track. They were immersed in an immoral and corrupt society, where God took a back seat to sin. For the church to be effective, believers needed to pull together and use their Sprit-given gifts to help each other and accomplish the work of the Church.
It can seem so tiring, even exhausting. If you look at the long list of spiritual gifts, it is an overwhelming opportunity. Fortunately, God doesn’t give all gifts to all people. But you’ve got at least one, and so does every other believer. It’s teamwork. The church only works when we do what we are supposed to do and help each other along the way.
“There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. There are different kinds of service, but we all serve the same Lord. God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us.” 1 Corinthians 12:4-6
Paul uses two Greek words to describe these gifts. Charisma, which means a gift of grace, and pneumatikos, which means spirit. Your gift of grace is from the Holy Spirit. Remember, grace is undeserved. We don’t earn our gift, nor can “we name it and claim it.” Our gift should be a humble expression of God’s work, not our own.
We can’t look inward and expect God’s work to shine outward into a dark and dying world. We’ve got to look up. Share on X
Many of us want to be on the team, working for the kingdom, but don’t know where to begin. Or maybe you’ve tried every part and position, but frustration and hurt feelings resulted in failure. Look up dear friend. If you are a believer, ask God to reveal your gift to you. Pray that God will strengthen you and use you for his purpose. It is exciting to think about the possibilities of what’s next.
Whether you are a mom or the CEO of a Fortune 500 company, if you are a believer – you have a gift. And your gift is as valuable as any other! (1 Corinthians 12:21-26) There are a lot of resources out there to help you get started and let God get going. You can link to a couple of my favorites from Lifeway, or search on your own. Just make sure you are seeking God in prayer and reading the scriptures as you look for answers to your next step.