"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 NLT
Last week I had the pleasure of joining some of my church family to sing carols at the "Christmas on the Square" festival in our town. Surrounded by some of what I would call "professionals" (aka church choir members), it was painfully obvious that God did not give me a gift for singing nor did he give it to my runner friend standing beside me. In between our howls and frequent totally off key notes, I told her that we had better stick to running.
When it comes to gifts, the bible tell us that "God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well." And while these are as different as we are, they are all designed for the same purpose... to serve and glorify the Father. So whether you are a preacher, teacher, encourager, giver, leader or a person gifted with showing kindness to others, scripture tells us that we are to use our talents to do it well and do it gladly.
And the best news is you and I don't have to be a "professional" anything to be of service, we need only be faithful and willing to give our all. Because, in the words of famed runner Steve Prefontaine, to give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift.
Heavenly Father, thank you for gifting us with unique abilities to serve you and to be your hands and feet to others. Help us to discern what our gifts are Lord if we are unsure. May we then seek your will for our lives and follow the calling you have placed in our hearts to honor, praise and glorify you. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.
Happy Running!!!
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Take my life - Jeremy Camp
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