I was reading a devotional this morning about 'exercising our faith' and about how each of us has a calling that is different from everybody else. At the end of the reading there was a reminder of how important it is to seek God for clarity and confirmation when we sense He is leading us. (You can read the devotion here)
As I was praying and meditating on this the Holy Spirit led me back to the word 'gifts' (as He often does), and I found myself thinking about gifts in the physical sense. It might be a board game or a puzzle; a leggo creation; a skincare set or some new clothing...
Whatever the gift, there will be instructions on how to use and care for it. Whether its instructions on how to play a game or care instructions on how to use or clean it..
So the point is...
'Gifts come with instructions!' - that was the message that was coming through to me today!
As I continued to think on this I realised how crazy a game would become if no one knew how to play it; how ineffective a skincare set would be if the moisturiser was used before the cleanser; or how quickly that new outfit would perish if it was washed with the wrong product....
While one may be forgiven in thinking that gifts should be able to be used however we want; (after all its a gift right?); I could see clearly how important the instructions are in order to use the gift effectively, to enjoy the gift to its full potential and to treasure the it for a long time.
So how does this relate to our spiritual gifts; our natural God given talents?
Do they come with instructions?
Yes I believe so!
As much as we need to encourage ourselves to use our gifts we also need to use them according to the instructions they came with.
Think of your gifts, the things that you just naturally (or supernaturally) do well and/or lean towards. It could be that you have a gift of music or singing; administration or leadership; sport or cooking; mechanics or panelbeating, pastoring or counselling; policing or managing; organising or cleaning; teaching or science; art or writing; nursing or caring; gardening or driving.... there are thousands of different gifts!
Now ask the Lord "Do I use my gifts and do I use them according to the instructions they came with?"
That is the question I asked this morning. My main gift is writing. "Lord am I using my gift according to the instructions it came with? Or am I just trying to work out this writing gift on my own? What are the instructions Lord, how do You want me to use this gift?"
Iam also reminded that just because my gift is writing, that doesn't mean I will write the same way as other writers. My gift comes with its own unique instructions, tailored by God just for me!
And the same applies to you! You are unique and your gifts are unique to you and come with their own instructions.
By waiting on God the instructions will become clear and you and I will be able to use our gifts to their full potential!
Gifts are meant to be fun, to be cherished and to be used to their full potential. God only gives good gifts to his children! Lets thank Him again for his gifts to us and wait on Him for the instructions!
Be blessed!
Jenspen
Comments