Lately I have been in a funk, giving excuse after excuse for why I’ve neglected so many important things.
Of course, the excuses seemed valid and I really was busy. New job, new help, etc.
But the truth is I had set aside one of the most important things my life.
The Gift.
What do I mean when I say “The Gift”?
I mean that special something, that calling if you will, that a person receives from God (yes, and He has something for everyone on this planet) to share with those around them.
So what have I been neglecting? Mainly writing, though there’s much more to it than just sitting down and writing four or five hundred words. I’ve neglected the whole seeking God part which has affected my desire to engage the gift.
But that is coming to a screeching halt!
Since the gifts and callings of God don’t change, and He doesn’t take back what He once gave, it’s up to me to engage the gift.
And because He expects me to use what He has given, I must write.
Or be found guilty of neglecting something so precious as a gift handpicked by God for me.
Okay, enough about me. What about you?
Don’t say you’re too busy. That dog won’t hunt.
Don’t say you’ve never received a gift from God; you may not have realized what it is but it’s there, nonetheless.
When I started getting quiet (stopped filling my time with work and play) and began to let God’s voice become clear in my spirit, the next step became obvious-engage the gift.
I believe the same will be true for you.
Whatever gift you have, if not stirred up and used as God designed, will eventually become weak and invisible. And others will possibly miss out on something no one should ever be deprived of-that special touch from God because you were obedient in stirring up the gift.
So what do you say? Have you received a gift from God, say, the gift of comfort? Then use what you’ve received to comfort others.
Have you received the gift of hospitality? Well? Then quit trying to be a loner.
Don’t neglect the gift.
Engage the gift. You, God, and people around you will be glad you did.
“Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies – in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 4:8 – 4:11 ESV)
“Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.” (Romans 12:6 – 12:8 ESV)
Thanks for reading. I’d like to hear your thoughts about your gift (s) and how you’re using them. Please respond in the comments section.
Jan Grace 