It’s much easier to stop comparing yourself to others once you discover how God has gifted you for service. Everyone is unique and we each have a special combination of gifts that the Spirit works in us in order to encourage and build up the people in your life!
Let’s look at verse 5 of 1 Corinthians 12: “There are different kinds of service but the same Lord.”
When we share our gifts with others, the Holy Spirit glorifies the Lord through our “acts of service”. This is part of why I feel it is so important that we who are Christians live and love like the Lord wants us to–our actions reflect on Him. How can we tangibly use our gifts to bless others? We can:
- Seek out ministry opportunities in church that go along with our gifts. If you have the gift of music, you could be on a worship team or lead children’s music. If your gift is hospitality, you could arrange for meals for new moms in the church.
- Start a new ministry in your church or community where there is a need. It doesn’t have to be something grand, just something that shows love!
- Involve your children in acts of service. My children are still fairly young but as they grow I’m excited to see where their gifts and interest are and then make a point to nurture them so that they can be used for the good. Even if you involve your children in small things, like weeding an elderly neighbor’s garden, drawing a picture for a friend or singing in church, it is pleasing to the Lord!
- Think outside your comfort zone. Yesterday, Janine commented that sometimes our passions or gifts don’t correspond with our natural talents (she used praise and worship as an example). That got me thinking that we can use our spiritual gifts in a way that is apart from the norm. If you’re gifted with worship but don’t feel confident in your singing abilities, burn a CD of favorite praise songs and give them to a friend who needs encouragement.
What acts of service are you involved in? What are some ways you share your gifts with others? I’d love to hear!
Tomorrow, we’re going to talk a little about what the “workings” are that are referred to in verse 6 of the 1 Corinthians 12 passage. I also have a fun announcement to make, so please join me!
WANT TO SPEAK WITH GRACE TO YOUR KIDS INSTEAD OF YELLING?
4 Comments on When You Wish You Were Everybody Else (Part 3)
Comments are closed.
I think there are even times when the Lord simply calls us to be a friend. One who listens and cares and encourages and prays. He gives us the gift of compassion so that He may bless others through us. I love all these posts in this series!
Thank you for that reminder of being a friend. The gift of compassion is so beneficial in the kingdom of God!
Loving this series Jenn! Once we stop comparing it allows us to turn our eyes to God and seek to serve others!
I love the comparison you made….stop comparing so we can focus on the Lord! Thank you for reading :)