Use Your Gifts

Last week, we focused on the first thing we need to be able to empower people to walk together with God: Holiness.  When you think about it, it makes sense.  How can you help somebody experience something you have never experienced yourself?  We start by working on our walk together with God.  This prepares us to empower one more.

This week, we get to work on the second part of empowerment: Effectiveness.  Just because you have a great walk with God doesn't mean you're good at sharing it with others.  So now we will look at God's plan for sharing effectively.

We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.  (Romans 12:6 NIV)

The first part of effective sharing pegs back to our trust in God.  Remember, God equips us for whatever God calls us to do.  In other words, God doesn't ask you to do something you can't.  God already knows your strengths and weaknesses, abilities and limitations.  God always gives you a part in His plan that perfectly fits you.  His Spirit empowers you to do it.

There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. (1 Corinthians 12:4-7 NIV)

I used to work at a place where one of my coworkers liked woodworking.  Whenever a new employee joined the team, he would make their name out of wood as a "welcome to the team" gift.  We all kept them on our desk.  It reminded us that we were important to the team.  It also reminded us we were important to that man who made our name out of wood.  He used his gift to encourage and build up others.

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. (1 Peter 4:10-11 NIV)

You know how to make names out of wood?  Carve them to let people know they are important to God.  You know how to sing?  Sing the praises of God.  You know how to make chocolate chip cookies?  I know plenty of people who would be attracted to God through your gift...if you will let them.

So how about you?  Do you know what you're good at?  Do you recognize God as the source of that talent or gift?  Do you use it to point people to God?