Having gifts that differ according to the
grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith.
In the film Chariots of Fire, an Olympic
runner named Eric Liddell says, "I believe God made me for a purpose, but
he also made me fast, and when I run, I feel God's pleasure." Later in the
movie he says, "To give up running would be to hold God in contempt."
Author Rick Warren uses this illustration in one of his books to say that using
our gifts and talents makes God smile.
In Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12 the apostle
Paul tells us that God gives his people a variety of gifts "according to
the grace given us"--or, as Jesus puts it, "according to [our]
ability" (Matthew 25:15). No Christian is without gifts or talents.
Some of God's people go through life convinced
they have no gifts or talents, and as a result they keep standing on the
sidelines. Others--like one man in Jesus' parable of the talents (Matthew
25:14-30)--have buried their God-given abilities, afraid to use them. Still
others refuse to use their gifts because they think they are not as gifted as
some others.
God wants us to discover our gifts, develop
them, and use them for the good of others and to his glory. No gift or talent
is too insignificant for God. And God expects our churches to allow everyone to
use the gifts they have been entrusted with. God wants no one left behind. That
makes God smile!
Dear Lord, we thank You for the gifts You have
entrusted to us. Help us to use them and to encourage others to use their gifts
for You. May we all glorify you. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
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