Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. (1 Peter 4:10)
Reflect:
Here on earth, our worth is often standardized. At 18, we become old enough to wear the title of adult and take on the necessary responsibilities. After 4 years of college, we are worthy of an entry level job. Mankind has discovered so many ways to categorize and judge the usefulness of its people. Anyone that spurns or excels beyond these standards is lauded as a wonder or criticized a
as a rebel.
The kingdom of God lacks the guidelines and standards of this earth. Our usefulness in the body of Christ, and our ability to serve and bless others is knit tightly to our spirit. We are never without limitless potential in Christ. We are powerful warriors, beloved children, and prepared servants from the moment we open ourselves to Christ. Study, prayer, and time strengthen our faith and bond, but we need not await a deadline to act.
Daily, we catch ourselves in a lie. A lie that tells us that we will be ready to witness to a stranger, spread the gospel in a foreign land, or take any number risks after a set amount of time, a ministry title, or a degree on the wall. Time and study will hone our skills, but God would not lead us to move simply to have us put our acts of service on a calendar for another day.
Prayer:
Lord, reassure us when we feel unprepared. Strengthen us when we feel afraid. Remind us that You call us when You feel we are ready, and we owe it to You and our spirit to act. When fear and doubt attempt to rob us of opportunities to bless and serve, remind us of our unique gifts made for such a time as this. Amen.
Your Turn:
Have you missed spiritual opportunities because you felt unprepared?
What unique gifts has God given you? And how are you using them to minister to others?
