Romans 12:6

“Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them….“ RSV Romans 12:6

Who among us hasn’t given a gift to a child to see it become old hat shortly? It can be so frustrating. We pay attention to the ads. We inquire what the hottest toy is this year. And when the child opens it, s/he is elated! They’re ecstatic! But before the day is over we notice that same toy is off to the side as the child is honed-in on something else. How soon we get bored when self-pleasure is the goal. Our Father has given gifts to each of us. You are not without a gift, even if you feel you are. As Billy Graham stated, “None of us have every gift, but all of us has at least one gift.” When we choose not to tap into the gift(s) we’re on the road to emptiness, unhappiness. But, just identifying and using the gift(s) given us isn’t the answer, either.

“And his gifts were that some should be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,…” RSV Ephesians 4:11-12. There are two key points to feeling good about ourselves, to feeling we have a purpose:

• The 1st is, identifying the gift(s) God has blessed us with
• The 2nd is, using the gift(s) for building the Body of Christ

If we try to pretend we have a gift we do not have, we’ll frustrate ourselves and have no sense of purpose or fulfillment. If we try to use the gift(s) for selfish gain or self-centered fulfillment, we’ll be equally empty and feel useless.

When we are honest about the gift(s) God have bestowed upon us, and we choose to use the gift(s) with Christ as the center, we will find the sense of purpose, the fulfillment we all long for. And, we will receive the greatest gift of all: “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” RSV Romans 6:23

Blessings Always In All Ways,
Steve