Using Our Gifts

An undeniable truth: each and every one of us have gifts.

Two weeks ago I contrasted the ME ideology with the JOY ideology. I explained how we should be living for Jesus instead of for ourselves. (Jesus, Others, You instead of Myself, Everyone.)

But how do we do that?

I realize many people may not know what living for Jesus looks like. Today I’d like to briefly cover one of the biggest (and best) ways we can shine His light.

Assuming you read the title of this post, you probably know where I’m going with this. Romans 12:6 (NIV) declares that: “We all have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.”

God has blessed everyone with their own abilities. And like in the Parable of the Talents, Jesus instructs us to use those gifts to better his Kingdom.

What does that mean?

To once again quote the apostle Paul:

“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 12:6b-8

To modernize that:

If you’re gifted by being able to sing, dance, or play an instrument well, don’t hide that gift. Use it for God’s glory. Play or perform at church or a seniors’ home. Use your gift.

If you’ve been gifted with creativity – baking, drawing, art, writing, videography, computing, etc. – use that gift for His glory. Use what you’ve made or created to encourage and bless others.

It doesn’t have to be a specific ability either. If you’ve been gifted with free evenings during your week, or if you’re good at managing your finances, don’t just use it for your glory. Invest that time where it matters. Spend that money where it counts.

Now I’m not poking at anyone.

I’m not trying to single you out and say “you have to do this” or “Jesus commands us to do that”. He never explicitly says how you have to shine His light. What He does say is that we’re to make a difference in the world.

For those of you who are unsure: using your gifts isn’t an act of self-promotion. It’s not about getting people to say “Look at all they’re doing…” Not at all. Jesus asks us to do it because He wants us to spread His message. Using your gifts glorifies Him, not yourself.

You may ask how ________ glorifies God. Let me tell you the truth: anything done with His glory in mind brings honour to Him (assuming it’s reputable). Any time you use what you’ve been given for the purpose of shining Jesus through you, you store up eternal treasures in Heaven.

We all have gifts.

No two people are talented in the exact same area. You will not have the same skills as your best friend. Which is good. If God gave all of us the same abilities, how would that further His Kingdom?

So I ask: is there a place you can step out today, or this week? It’s never too early to make a difference for Jesus. It’s never too soon to use the gifts He’s given us for good.

It will never be “too early” to shine Jesus’ light.

It will only be too late.

Will we use what we’ve been given to glorify Him?