Got Gifts?

Romans 12:6
Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.

Lately, I’ve been thinking about all of the things that I need to go through and clear out around my house. While taking mental inventory and surveying the area, I noticed several gifts that haven’t been used. For the past five or six years, I have been desiring a career change. The reason being I felt I was not able to utilize all that God has placed in me due to the demands of my teaching job. Over the years, I’d started several projects only to never complete them. It really bothered me. Although I loved teaching, I started to feel suffocated by my job. So in August of 2018, I decided to take a step of faith and obedience. I left my job of 17 years. Immediately, I began to diligently focus on the word of God and set out to complete some of those projects and even start a few new ones as the Lord has led. Although I am certain I am a gifted teacher, there are still many other gifts inside of me that I have yet to use. There is so much more I could and should be doing for God. I had to repent because I have been very selfish. I’d been hoarding what doesn’t belong to me. Our gifts and talents belong to God. He has entrusted them to our care to be cultivated and used for His glory. It is our responsibility to seek His guidance regarding their development. When someone gives us a gift, they expect us to use it. God expects the same. The more those gifts are used, the more they are blessed by God because He knows that we are being good stewards of them.

If you are wondering how you’re supposed to know what God has gifted you to do, start with the practical things. What are you good at doing? What do you find joy in doing every day? Those are probably your gifts or talents. You can also take a spiritual gifts assessment. Better yet. You can ask God to show you what He has gifted you with. It is His will for us to know His purpose for us so He is faithful to answer. Once God answers, get to work. Start to do whatever you can to get better at those things. Take classes, research, or do whatever you can.

Why is it important for us to flow in our God-given gifts? The world is waiting for us. Our gifts are meant to impact the world around us and make it a better place. Everything we do should point those around us back to Christ and make His name great.

How should we do it? We should do it cheerfully and willingly. Doing anything for God is a privilege and an honor. We should find great joy in walking out God’s plan for our lives.
Friends, let us be found guilty of using all that in us to edify the kingdom of God. Although I have a lot of work to do in this area, I plan to be very intentional in doing all I can to utilize everything I have. I pray you will do the same.

Let’s Make His Name Great Together!
Got Gifts? Use Them.