The Spirit and the Gifts

In Romans 12:3, Paul warns us not to think more highly of ourselves than we ought, and he encourages us to think of ourselves with sober judgement. Many Christians take this verse to mean that we can't do any good for anybody. While it is true that we can do no good apart from Christ (John 15:5), those of us who are in Christ not only can do good, we must do good. 1 Corinthians 12 assures us who are part of the body of Christ that we all have a spiritual gift that must be employed for the benefit of the entire body. We are all good at something! It's not wrong-in fact, it's totally right-to recognize that. Do you know how you're gifted? One way to know is to "think of yourself in sober judgement." Be honest with yourself. What are you good at? What comes easily to you? Another good way to assess your area of giftedness is to pay attention to what other people say to you. This can be very insightful; and again, this is a good and right thing to do. Proverbs 27:2 says, "Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; someone else, and not your own lips." Let another praise you! Are your friends constantly thanking you for encouraging them? You're an encourager! God uses encouragers in many different ways. Look for opportunities to use your gift. Maybe your friends admire your beautiful garden. That could be a gift used to God's glory and the church's benefit. Maybe you could add some curb appeal to your church, or maybe there is someone in your church who wants to grow a garden, but doesn't know where to start. Offer your help. Find out what you're good at, find a need, and fill the need. We all have a spiritual gift. Find out what yours is and let God use it however He will. Offering your gift to God is a spiritual act of service, holy and pleasing to Him. (Ro. 12:2.)