Using Your Gifts

It is easy to look at others and wish we had the gifts and abilities that they had. If only I could be like “Fred”, then I would be a better Christian. The truth is, if we aren’t able to use the gifts that God has given us now, we wouldn’t be any more effective if we had different gifts. When the great theologian, Martin Luther, spoke of our mission field, he referred to it as our vocation. Wherever God has placed us is our mission field. Whatever our occupation, there are the people we can influence. Whatever gifts we have been given will be our means of proclaiming the Gospel. You may think that your abilities are insignificant and that God can’t use them to touch other people. I recently heard the testimony of a man who had a rough patch in his life. As he was coming out on the other side, he really wanted to serve God. While seeking the Lord, he was given an idea... Jerky 4 Jesus. He loved to make Jerky and God put on his heart that he should start a business making Jerky. What does that have to do with the Gospel? He packaged it with the name Jerky 4 Jesus and his packaging was to stir up conversations about faith. Someone told him that changing the name would make it easier to market, but he insisted that anything that reduced the focus on faith was not part of what God called him to do. It is still fairly early in his business and outreach, but if God gave him the idea, God will also accomplish the work. Does that mean that thousands of people will put their faith in Jesus? That would be wonderful, but it is not guaranteed. We focus on the visible result instead of focusing on being faithful. As I talked with the gentleman that started this ministry, it became clear that his desire and calling was beginning the conversation about faith. The Spirit of God would take it from there. So, what is it God would have you do? I know some that have gifts in crafts, woodwork, etching, etc. that have used those gifts to create items to remind us of Christ. Maybe your gift is baking, accounting, welding, quilting, medical, farming, teaching, leading, giving, etc. Whatever the gifts and abilities might be, take it to God, asking Him to give you wisdom how to use it to honor Him. Ask Him to show you. Father, reveal to each believer what gifts and abilities they have been given and how to use it in our vocation and life. Amen