God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. 1 Peter 4:10 (NLT)
There have been a few birthdays in my world lately, including mine, and birthdays inevitably speak of gifts given or received. But last night as I drove to my study group I had the Christian radio playing in the background and it caused me to think on a different kind of gift. I wished later I had been listening more attentively to the lovely voice because as it finished the announcer said it had been sung by Joni Eareckson Tada. Now this is one woman you will have no doubt heard of even if you don't know of the many gifts in her life which she has shared with the world.
Joni will be 66 years old this October and has lived a remarkably giving life in spite of becoming a quadriplegic after a diving accident when she was 17. Her story tells of her anger and her struggles but her history tells of amazing victory in overcoming her handicap. She is a great artist, (she paints by mouth), she has written many books, spoken in scores of places, is a radio personality, an advocate for the disabled AND she sings. Freely she has given of herself in spite of the challenges she has had to overcome to do it. Her aim has been to glorify Jesus Christ who allowed this tragedy to occur and has chosen, so far, not to answer the many prayers which have been offered up for her healing.
I found this very humbling and it certainly stirred me to get writing again. What excuse do we able-bodied people have for not using our God-given gifts for the help, blessing and encouragement of others inside or outside of our church. Not only that, God does not limit us to only one gift. We see many people who are multi-gifted and I believe that as we use and explore what gift or gifts we have, God is willing and able to allow us more. Not for our own glory and satisfaction but for the building up of the Body of Christ and serving mankind in whatever way He may lead us. If you need more convincing.....He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love. Ephesians 4:16. Each of us has at least one gift for which we are responsible and accountable. If you are not sure what yours is, ask yourself, "What am I passionate about? What do I love to do?" If it's cooking, teaching, caring, helping, encouraging, leading, whatever it is use your gift to bless those God puts in your path.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you that you have gifted me. If I am not using my gift as you want me to, would you please show me how and where to do that, so I can glorify you and do my part in building up the Body of Christ. Amen
