Use the gift you have been given
Contents
I went on a short-term missionary trip to Cambodia for the past week. Many people were living in poverty. Cambodia is said to have the 8th largest economy in the world. However, the happiness index is said to be the third highest in the world. I thought about how I could be so happy. There are many reasons, but I think one of them is a life without comparison. No matter how much you have, you cannot be happy the moment you compare them. Seeing someone who has more can make you unsatisfied and humble. When we see someone who has no means, we can ignore them and become proud. There can be no happiness in such a life. That's right. We Christians should never live a life of comparison. We must live a life that does our best based on God, who has become absolute, and God's word of truth.
In the words of Romans 12 today, God tells saved Christians not to give up their hearts, but to give their bodies to God (verse 1). He also tells us to live according to the will of God in words, not conforming to the world (v. He tells us to think wisely according to the measure of our faith (verse 3). And through the words of today's text, it is said that the saved children of God must live a life of service according to the gifts they have received (verses 4-8).
1. God created us to be diverse and different.
- This is also characteristic of the Church. God created 24,000 races on the earth. Each race has a different language, culture, food, and custom. But God is glorified through it. The church is made up of many members of the body of Christ. We should not criticize others. The church should like to be different. should be encouraged. Bless you. We should give thanks (verses 4-5).
2. Use your God-given gifts for others.
- Because they have become “members of one another” (v. 5). One of the characteristics of gifts is that they were not given for me. Gifts are always given for others. Just as a tree does not eat its fruit.
3. Types of Gifts
-*The gift of prophecy (verse 6): Those who have received this gift will listen to the voice of God. I understand the Bible well. There is discernment. They are good at communicating what they have learned and helping others. Those who receive this gift should be humble. Because it is easy to become arrogant if misused. *The gift of serving (verse 7): There are some people who are particularly happy to serve and serve. Those who have received this gift must be careful not to bump into each other and learn to harmonize so as not to monopolize work. And when we serve, we must serve with the heart that God gives us strength. *There is a gift of teaching (verse 7). *The gift of comfort (exhortation) (verse 8): A person with this gift is a good listener. *The gift of almsgiving (verse 8): Giving generously what you have. Saints! If you spread it, God will fill it. *Governing gift (v. 8): A person with leadership. Those who have this gift must be diligent. *The gift of mercy (verse 8): A person with a compassionate heart.
- Dear saints! Don't bury your gifts. Don't write for yourself. Write for the glory of God and for the church and others. Then God will be glorified and your life will be filled with blessings and joy.