How to Thrive in TeenagehoodSample

Using Our Gifts

Think about your talents. What are you good at? What do you do for fun? Whether that’s playing an instrument, doing something artistic, or simply talking to people, we all have different strengths and weaknesses.

We have all been fearfully and wonderfully made, we all have a purpose and we are all different. God has given us different gifts, and we can use these gifts to spread His word. In Matthew 28:19, Jesus told the disciples, ‘therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.’ Here, Jesus has given all the disciples the same command despite the fact that they all had different strengths and weaknesses, which shows that we can all be used to spread the word of God no matter what we are good or bad at.

Therefore we should not be discouraged by what we cannot do, or compare ourselves to other Christians in the ways they connect with God and what they do in their faith. We can all disciple others in some way, especially if we rely on God to guide us. 1 Corinthians 4:4-6 says, ‘now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone.’ God has intentionally given each and every one of us the gifts we possess and so He will empower us through these gifts to spread His word.

So don't doubt your abilities, as we all have a purpose and can use our spiritual gifts from God to fulfil this purpose in the world. As a final thought, we cannot change the gifts and calling He has given us, so we should embrace them. ‘For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.’ (Romans 11:29)

Lord, I pray that you help us to understand that we are all created in your image and with a purpose, that you have given us different gifts for a reason, and that we can use these gifts to spread your word. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Questions:

What are your gifts and how do you think you can use them?