CONNECTED TO THE SOURCE
We have different gifts that are consistent with God’s grace that has been given to us. If your gift is prophecy, you should prophesy in proportion to your faith. If your gift is service, devote yourself to serving. If your gift is teaching, devote yourself to teaching. If your gift is encouragement, devote yourself to encouraging. The one giving should do it with no strings attached. The leader should lead with passion. The one showing mercy should be cheerful. Romans 12:6-8 CEB
A few weeks ago, I was ready to pull my hair out! My home internet, phone and television were all out!! I called the help number and was on the phone for almost an hour. I did everything she told me to do…I pushed every button and still—nothing! Finally, she decided that I needed to have a technician come to my home to assess the situation.
The next day a clean-cut young man knocked on my door. He was friendly and filled with enthusiasm and professional courtesy. He quickly identified the problem. The box outside had some unwanted guests – mice had taken up residence and had chewed through the wires. It seems that when the box was installed several years ago, the first technician didn’t seal it up correctly, allowing the little guests to check in (and evidently they liked the accommodations because they stayed – I’m nothing if not a good hostess!)
Watching as people operate within their gift, doing what they love and are graced to do, is exciting. There are some tasks I do with a degree of effectiveness and joy. Others, like technology, are not my passion. I don’t have a smidgen of gifting in that area, and it shows.
In Christ, all believers have different spiritual gifts. Jesus has graced me to do some everyday tasks like being cheerful, kind (usually) and generous. But, as for some of the gifts other folks have – like singing – forget it! (Let’s just say that Roy has not asked me to sing in the choir.) Not everyone is meant to serve in music ministry, live in the mission field, preach on street corners, or repair technology. But, when I’m properly connected to the ultimate source – Jesus’ power – my passions and gifts are used for His glory.
Heavenly Father, Thank you for the gifts you have given me. May I always use those gifts to serve You. Amen.
Pastor Ruth
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