Are You Being Used?
And just then, as fast as this stirring arrives, the worries, things, voices and ideas of the world push their way into our minds to drown it out. We shrink back in fear or intimidation. We get confused about what’s important. We conclude that another time will be better.
We forget who’s in control.
And then we read His word:
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.
–Romans 12:6-8
In the two verses prior, Paul writes about how together we form one body in Christ, and just like with our own bodies, each part has its own proper function to keep the body working and thriving.
What Gifts Has God Given You?
As Christians, we all have different spiritual gifts given to us. Yes, “we all” as in every one of us. And yes, “different” as in we all play a part to keep the body working together. And most importantly, these spiritual gifts aren’t just there to serve ourselves, but to serve the Lord!
So in comes the confusion for many of us. What gifts has God given to me, and am I using them the right way? It might be first worth mentioning that we can’t look to others for this answer.
This post puts it nicely:
Never feel like you must fit into someone else’s mold, serving the Lord in the same way that they are. God has not made us all to be pastors, missionaries, street evangelists, etc. We have not all been given the character traits to do these things. Find the methods of service God has prepared for you specifically, and then rest in them.
What things come naturally to you? Where are your strengths? What kind of personality traits do you have? What special abilities, talents or circumstances has God blessed you with to further His kingdom?
Are you letting God use you, or are you getting in the way?
This week alone I’ve heard about the way my mom loves to help the elderly. A friend’s love for helping people find healing when they’re vulnerable or weak. My husband’s love for sharing God’s word with others. A family’s love for helping younger members get on their feet by dropping by with food and household items.
Do you believe God will open doors for you to do His work where He wants you to do it? While some may be called to mission work, others are called to work in the cubicle. God wants us where He wants us for reasons we may or may not every really know.
So how do you use the gifts God has given to you?
And if you don’t know, His word is a wonderful place to start:
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. — Romans 12:9-19