Use the Gift God has given You

“[God] has given each one of us a special gift.” Ephesians 4:7 NLT

Paul said that when Jesus “ascended to the heights, he led a crowd of captives and gave gifts to his people” (v. 8 NLT). He used the metaphor of a victorious king. It was common in Paul’s day for the conquering monarch to return to his palace with prisoners and treasures in tow. He celebrated his conquest by giving gifts to his people. So did Jesus. Having defeated sin and death on the cross, He ascended to heaven, took His rightful place at the right hand of God, and “gave gifts to his people”.

What a delightful thought! Jesus, eternally crowned, distributing abilities and skills: “Joe, take your place in the domain of medicine. Mary, your territory is accounting.” Everybody gets a gift. And these gifts come in different doses and combinations. “A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other” (1 Corinthians 12:7 NLT).

Our inheritance is grace-based and equal, but our assignments are tailor-made. No two snowflakes are the same. No two fingerprints are the same. Why would two skill sets be the same? No wonder Paul said, “Understand what the Lord wants you to do” (Ephesians 5:17 NLT).

Do you understand what the Lord wants? If not, you’ll lead a dull, joyless, and fruitless life. You’ll never sing the song God wrote for your voice and never cross the finish line with heavenward-stretched arms and declare, “I was made to do this!” That’s why the Bible says: “Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done” (Galatians 6:4 NLT).

SoulFood: Josh 19:24–21:45 Mark 10:23–34 Ps 111 Pro 23:4–6

My earnest thanks to Vision.org.au

From Digital Anvil.