Gifts…

Are we working in harmony with the rest of the body? Or are we using our gifts that God gave us to serve ourselves?

In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly. – Romans 12:6-8

From whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. – Ephesians 4:6

So, God is telling us to use the gifts He has given us and to use them as a body focused on love.

God is so awesome, for so many reasons. But one thing I’ve noticed about the gifts He gave me is that they feel so RIGHT when I’m acting on them, sharing them with others. I don’t know about you, but when my gifts are active, my tank is being filled. So, all of the pouring out God is commanding us to do, is actually filling us back up. Only God can do that!

One of the gifts God gave me was hospitality. When I have people in my home, I have spent time thinking about how to make them feel welcomed and loved. Lots and lots of time. What are their favorite foods, what do they like to drink, what can I do to make those things special. All of the time I spend on this seems to fly, it brings me so much joy. Then, putting it all together, I’m never tired while doing any of the work. And finally, when I get to see their reaction, they feel special, loved…my tank is full!! And even when I don’t see a reaction, my tank is still full because I know God saw the effort I put into showing someone they are loved. However, if I’m not careful, I can use this gift to serve myself. Believe that all of the work and the desire to make someone feel special has a goal of making me feel good about what I did. Again, my pride. Have I mentioned I have an issue with pride…I do, and I pray God, in His love for me, will teach me humility and a deep knowing that I have nothing to boast about, all good things are for the glory and by the power of God.

Another gift God gave me is I can be immovable. God tells me something or He gives me revelation…you can’t move me. Now, in the hands of God, this gift is good. I will share His truth and wisdom with so much confidence and His power will come through. But we can’t forget that the enemy will swoop in and steal and destroy and he is not above using our gifts against us and those around us. When I fall for the tricks of the enemy, my being immovable becomes stubbornness. Stubbornness with a side of pride. I can become so stubborn that regardless of someone else’s good point or wisdom, I will not budge. And this is me serving myself.

So, will you walk in your gifts and give the glory to God? Will you ask Him if there are gifts you have that are being used against you and act on His answer? Or, will you allow the enemy to further steal from you something God gave you for the good of others and good for you?