February 24 (Ephesians 4:11-13)

It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.  (NIV)

I enjoy few things as much as seeing people operate in the sweet spot of their giftedness.  A teacher who was born to teach, an artist who was born to create, an encourager who lifts others up…there is nothing like it.  Perhaps this is part of the reason I love making connections for people, helping them find those opportunities to work and to serve as God created them to do.

Now, the simple fact is that you are good at something.  It may actually be several things, but there is something that you especially gifted to do.  It may be something physical, a talent to create, for example, or it may be something more emotional, the ability to lift others up and draw them into the heart of God.  If you think about it, you will know what it is.  It is the thing that thrills you when you do it, the thing you most long to do, the thing in which you feel God operating through you.

So are you doing it?  Are you using that gift to His glory?  It may not be what shapes your daily job, and perhaps you have even disregarded it as a mere hobby or pastime.  Do not do that.  The body of Christ needs you to be and to do what God has created you, and only you, to be and to do.  How will your gifts bring Him glory this week?

Father, I too often get caught up in the details of daily life, ignoring my true calling.  Help me rediscover the gifts You have given me.  Guide me to develop them to their fullest so that as I come fully alive, You may be glorified.  In the name of Jesus, my Lord, amen.

Copyright © 2013 by Steven R. Perkins