What is your Spiritual Gift? Do you know?
The Apostle Paul tells us: “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the COMMON GOOD.” (1 Corinthians 12:4-7)
A few days ago I was filling out a volunteer application for a ministry I support and wish to serve. One of the questions was "Why do you want to join our ministry?". Without thinking I wrote, "I want my life to make God smile."
Our Spiritual Gift (or gifts) is not about us. Nor is it necessarily of our choosing. As much as I wish God had given me the voice of an angel to minister in song... it just didn't happen. I have the voice of an alley cat screeching on a picket fence. Instead, God gifted me with a spirit of exuberant encouragement for those who actually do sing like angels.
The gifts I see in others edify me - challenge me - humble me.
Last week, my son was in Peru building a worship center, my brother & sister-in-law were in Brazil with a mission team and my cousin was leading hundreds of campers in songs of worship.
My son is an optometrist. He uses his knowledge as an optometrist to serve others wherever God leads him. But he's just as happy pouring concrete and running electrical wires in 3rd world countries who need a sanctuary...
My sister-in-law thought she was a weak link in the ministry team. But then, she brought out her needlework and God worked His magic. People surrounded her and relationships were formed, opening the door to His Word...
My beautiful little cousin is introverted and shy. But when she opens her mouth to sing, she becomes a 10-Foot Warrior for Jesus, sending His message straight as an arrow into the hearts of young and old, alike...
Don't ask yourself what you can do for God. Ask God how He wants to use you. He may surprise you. He will likely take you out of your comfort zone. He may send you across the street or across the world. But our orders are clear: To Win As Many As Possible.
And yes, to make God smile.
