Greetings, Brothers and Sisters in Christ!
Tuesday morning Bible study is in the final few weeks on a survey course through several of Paul’s letters. Throughout the study we saw a continual theme of unity, but also diversity within the body. Just this morning we talked about the various spiritual gifts that we are all given and I gave thanks to the individuals in the class for the gifts that they have and the ways that they are used for the church and for the glory of God.
Gifts are often a child’s favorite part of Christmas morning and their birthdays. The anticipation, the unwrapping and the reveal are all part of the joy of gifts, but gifts have no value if they are not used for their intended purpose. God has wrapped within each of us a precious set of gifts to be revealed as we grow and develop. Discovering and understanding these gifts can be like Christmas morning as we unwrap who we are called to be – a tool in God’s belt with a purpose and a plan (see Jeremiah 29:11). Like a bike on Christmas morning or an art set on your birthday, we are not intended to sit on a shelf or stay in the garage, God has a desire to be glorified through our lives.
Consider the gifts that you have and consider how they are being used for God’s purpose to help those around you and to make the world a better place, one action at a time. Realize that you make a difference and no difference is too small to count in God’s eyes. A carpenter needs a variety of tools, an artist needs a variety of brushes and paints, and a chef needs a variety of pans and knives to be able to do their jobs. In much the same way, God needs a great variety of faithful servants to fulfill His mission in this world. We cannot afford to sit on the sidelines or deny our gifts and we are strongest when we are working together, complimenting each other’s gifts and values.
I pray that you will feel God’s presence with you, guiding you and strengthening you and that you will celebrate the person that God has made you to be and with the purpose that God has made you for. This world is a more beautiful and loving place because you are in it.
Blessings, Pastor Stacy