Use Your Gifts

Romans 12:6-8

"Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; 7 or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; 8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness."

We have received spiritual gifts by God’s grace. This means you are better at some things than other people are. We tend to notice and think it is our own hard work or insight. We enjoy comparing and finding ourselves better. But we forget it is according to the grace given us. You don’t have any gift or ability because you’ve earned it or deserved it. Husbands, mothers, elders or congressmen are not worthy of their callings. Who is sufficient for such things, Paul asks? By the grace of God we are what we are.

So, first we should confess pride about the gifts we have or think we have. And second, we should confess not using our gifts. Out of humility, let us use our gifts and serve the body.

3 or 4 of the gifts mentioned here use words to help others, so I’d like to remind you of the next head of household training, this Thursday night at our house, where you will be equipped to give and seek counsel from others.

Until then, let us confess our lack of reliance on God’s grace, and the small effort we put into showing mercy, leading, giving to, and teaching others.

Oh come, let us worship & bow down, let us kneel before the Lord our maker.

9/8/13