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Gifts

                  We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. (Romans 12:6-8)

                Let’s begin with a deep breath. Release it. There is no reason to believe that this list of gifts is complete. If you lack these particular skills, you’re not giftless. If you’re not the greatest in the world at something, you’re not giftless. Even if you’re sure you’re a nobody, that doesn’t mean you are a nobody (or that a nobody is what you think it is.) If you think you may as well stay home because no one is going to like you and you’ll have nothing to contribute, that doesn’t mean that any of that is true.

                I’ve written before about our thinking our gifts need to be dramatic and impressive. That point having been mentioned again, today’s thought is about gifts as things that bring people together and form communities. Today’s verse has some big, impressive gifts. If your gift if prophesying, or teaching, or leading, then do those things. If your gift is encouraging, giving, serving, or showing mercy, then do those.

                Some would say that skill level is the key. After all, we’re talking about using gifts. It’s helpful, but using our gifts really comes down to three factors. First, God. He can make much of what we think is little and give us wisdom. Second, love because without it, gifts are nothing.

                If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. (I Corinthians 13:1-3)         

Third, a need. If there is already a leader, stepping in to take the lead isn’t using your gift well. It’s probably stepping on toes. It’s good to build skills when possible, but these three are non-negotiables.

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