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Romans 12: 6-8 We have different gifts,
according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it
in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching,
let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing
to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him
govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. (NIV)
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Sometimes the Lord calls us to do tasks that are far beyond our “giftedness” – jobs that will stretch our faith and force us to use some unfamiliar spiritual muscles.* |
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Paul took a risk when he made this list. There is a tendency
among humans to think every list is all-inclusive. We might look at this
catalogue of gifts and think, “I’m not gifted in any of those areas. I guess I
have nothing to offer.” And we would be missing the point.
If
you’re like me, you may be a little cloudy on the difference between gifts and
talent. Maybe you aren’t sure if you have either. So, what can you do? Paul says that our gifts are a matter of the grace given
to us. What better way to show your gratitude for that grace than by just doing
what you do and doing it to the best of your ability? You might
discover your giftedness, or you might just learn that the more you do
something, the better you are at it. Perhaps God gave you the gift of
persistence! (Not on the list, by the way.)
I read something that
speaks powerfully to the gift-impaired: “Excusing yourself from evangelism
because it’s not your ‘spiritual gift’ is like watching a child drown because
you’re not [a] lifeguard.”* Don’t wait until you have discovered
and perfected your gift before you offer your service to the Lord. Glorify him
with all your actions and others may identify your spiritual gift before you
do. Just because you don’t know what to call it doesn’t mean you don’t have it!
Use it or lose it!
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We hold our spiritual gifts on the terms of using them.* |
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