Meet The New Youنموونە

Serve from Your Gifting

I surveyed the room, taking it all in. Women of every age and shape graced the place, some as attendees and many in a serving capacity. There were the red-shirted volunteers, guiding and directing women to the workshops. There was the organizer, communicating details to the speakers. There was the tech crew, making sure the worship team could do their thing. There was the lovely emcee, who not only extended a heart of hospitality but also made the whole event run smoothly. There were the speakers, prepared with messages of God’s grace and truth, hope and power. Although I didn’t see them, I am certain there was a janitorial crew functioning behind the scenes, likely long after we were gone.

Each person had a role to play using their God given gifts, and the result was a gloriously blessed event.

Imagine, however, if one person decided to quit midway? Can you even think of the implications that would have been felt all around? What if the tech team thought they weren’t needed because they weren’t the ones singing? What if a workshop speaker quit because she wasn’t the keynote?

How many times do we give up using our God-given gifts to serve others because we’re too busy comparing ourselves to others or ranking our own significance? Maybe we want someone else’s gifts because they seem more enjoyable or valuable.

One gift is never more important than any other. Our perfect Father in Heaven has given each of us precious gifts to be used for His glory as way of expressing His love to others. So what if we received those God-ordained gifts and chose to steward them will, without comparing them to others or downplaying their purpose? Imagine the joy that would bring to Him and to us as we use what He’s given us.

Trap and Transform

1. What gifts do you believe God has given you?

2. What gifts do you find yourself devaluing?

3. What if you gave up longing for “other” gifts and began appreciating the ones you’ve been given?