Gifted

“For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function….. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them…..”  Romans 12:4, 6a

When I was a little boy, I knew exactly what I wanted to be. Not a fireman, not a police officer; I wanted to be a pitcher for the Boston Red Sox! I embarked on my dream by playing in Little League. There was one problem–I wasn’t even good enough to pitch in Little League. No problem. I decided to be a shortstop. But I’m left handed. Without explaining all the dynamics to you, left handers can’t play shortstop. My coach said, “You know, Mike–you can’t throw very hard, but you can catch anything! Why don’t you try first base?” As time progressed, I became a pretty good first baseman, and a valued team member.

Christ follower–you are gifted! The Holy Spirit gives us special abilities which we can use to serve God and each other. However, they aren’t all the same. Each believer has a unique gift or combination of gifts. This is intentional–so that together we can be a well rounded team working together to serve God, provide care for each other and reach our community with the Truth of the Gospel.

The question you need to ask yourself is this, “What has God gifted me to do?” Some of the gifts He gives are public in nature–like teaching and leadership. Some are more private like encouraging and showing mercy. Some are hands on like serving and generosity. Here’s what matters–you need to take an honest look at who God made you to be and use your gift. The team needs you!

-Pastor Mike