Do We Use Our Gifts?

1 Peter 4:10

Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.

Christmas is a time that we give and receive gifts.  I already received a gift – yesterday morning – from a dear couple at our church.  They are long time friends and gave me a Christmas card with a gift in it.  What gifts can you remember getting in years past?  I spoke about my red bike yesterday in the sermon.  I rode that bike for like 10 years or more.  It lasted through the banana seat and monkey handlebar fads.  I used it to deliver papers – putting rear baskets and a front basket on it.  I put baseball cards (no Orioles – mostly no names) in the spokes (sounded so cool).  It was one of my favorite Christmas gifts of all time.

Can you remember a special Christmas gift?  Can you remember the ones you used a lot?  I bet you don’t remember – at least not with fond memories – those you returned or put in the closet.  Were there gifts you had to drag out when certain people visited?  Did you ever get the picture of the dogs playing cards – LOL?

Here’s another question – in regards to gifts.  How are we using the gifts that God has given us?  Do we understand the gifts and abilities that God has given us?  God gives us good gifts.  The question is – are we using what God has given us to His glory?  As a church family – God has gifted us to serve Him.

Romans 12:6-8 – 6 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. 7 If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8 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.

There are a number of Scriptures that describe the gifts that God gives. Read 1 Corinthians 12 for some more gifts from God.  Here is a portion of that passage.  1 Corinthians 12:4-6 – 4 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6 There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men.

What gift has God given us?  And how are we using them?  Are we glorifying God with the gifts He gives us?

Just something to think about today as you go on your way.