" ARE YOU USING YOUR GIFT(S) EFFECTIVELY? "

I'm of the mindset that those of us who have given our lives to the Lord must identify the Spiritual Gift or Gifts that we have been blessed with. Look at this compiled list of gifts and imagine the kinds of people who would have each gift. "Prophets" are often bold and articulate. "Servers" (those in ministry) who are faithful and loyal. "Teachers" are clear thinkers. "Encouragers" are (those who exhort)and know how to motivate others. "Givers" are generous and trusting. "Leaders" are good organizers and managers. Now those who show mercy are caring people who are happy to give their time to others. It would be difficult for one person to embody all these gifts. An assertive prophet would not usually make a good counselor and a generous giver might fail as a leader. When you identify your own gifts (and this list is far from complete), ask how you can use them to build up God's family. At the same time, realize that your gifts can't do the work all alone. Be thankful for people whose gifts are completely different from yours. Let your strengths balance their weakness, and be grateful that their abilities make up for your deficiencies. Together you can build Christ's church. As I study I'm convinced that the gifts from the Father differ in nature, power, and effectiveness according to his generosity as well as his wisdom and graciousness, not according to our level of faith. Now, the "measure of faith" (Romans 12:3) or the "Proportion to his faith" means that God will give the Spiritual power necessary and appropriate to carry out each responsibility. We cannot by our own effort or will power, drum up more faith and thus be more effective teachers or servants. I believe that these are God's gifts to his church and he gives faith and power as he wills. I'm of the mindset that our role is to be faithful and seek out ways that we serve others as Jesus demonstrated while on earth. So, either we use our gift(s)from God or we'll lose it. Now God has given gift(s) so we can build up his church. To use them effectively, we must (1) realize that all gifts and abilities come from God; (2) understand that not everyone has the same gifts; (3) know who we and what we do best;(4) dedicate our gifts to God's service and not to our personal success; (5) be willing to utilize our gifts wholeheartedly, not holding back anything from God's service. Until next Time... Jim,