Our gifts (5/17/04)

As we fast this Wednesday, let's pray for our gifts. God has uniquely gifted each one of us. He has given us these gifts for a purpose that is also uniquely designed by Him for us. Ephesians 2:10 says "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Do you cherish the gifts God has given you? Or do you fall into some of the traps I'm familiar with:

- covet gifts I don't possess.
- take credit for my gifts as if I was responsible for them - Kind of like treating the gift as an entitlement
- use my gifts only to serve my own selfish desires.

Ultimately, we need to recognize that our gifts are really a test from God. The parable of the talents shows us this (Matthew 25:14-30). It's a test to see if we can handle these blessings from God in a Christ-like way. Ultimately, it's a heart test - to see if it's in the right place. Some of us are tested more than others. Luke 12:48 points out "But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked."

So this week as we pray for our gifts, let's pray that we first take the time to discover what they are. That we don't covet gifts we don't have. That our gifts don't feed our own pride and become our idol. That we seek God's will for our gifts and discover the purposes He has designed.

Have a great week and a great fast.
Your brother,
Bob