Saturday, February 23, 2008

Day 13 - Romans 12:6-8

Wow, this really is a powerhouse chapter of the Bible- Romans 12 has so much to say (starting with the passage Jared blogged about yesterday)! Today's text reads:
"We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully."
We have such a tendency to categorize ourselves in our culture; in our jobs, our social circles, everywhere, we know exactly what rung of the "ladder" we're on. Certain careers, traits, even hobbies are looked on as superior or inferior to others- some have "it", others don't. How the life of a Christ-follower stands in contrast to that!

Here we have a passage in which God says to me, "of course you're going to act differently, and have different passions than the people around you-- I made you different from them for a reason!" I'm so glad to be part of a church family that encourages each other to find and use their strengths to make a difference in the lives of those around us. My mind drifts to the launch of the east campus this fall... not only is it a chance to show God's love to a whole new area, it is a chance for many who have felt God's love to use their gifts, how He created them, in His service. And that's a great thing!

God, help me understand my uniqueness better, and how my gifts can best be used to do your work in this world!

No comments: