Ephesians 4:7
“But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift.”
This an amazing scripture. Christ gives us all gifts. Let's stop there and elaborate. These are gifts we have in our person. It may be a mechanical ability, it may be a joyful personality, it may be a a gentle manner, it may be something much more public, as in a sense of humor. There are gifts of administration, leadership and so on. We are acquainted with our gifts, as we experience their us.
These gifts require grace. The public gifts can cause one to become conceited, so grace is required to stay humble. These also are given more invitations to do tempting things. Grace is required to say no. The more private gifts can feel less than, God's grace makes know they are enough. These also may lack confidence to step out, God's grace can give courage.
Paul is an example of a more popular gift. He had courage, brilliance and could be persuasive. God gave him an ailment to keep him humble. He asked on multiple occasions for it to be removed. 'And He said to me, "My grace suffices you, for the power is perfected in weakness." Therefore will I boast rather most gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
We needn't feel bad about our weaknesses, for God's power will be perfected in us. It's like an equation, more weakness equals more power. So with Paul we can be happy about our common or low state. It means God's power will flow through us.
God is the author of these gifts and the user of them. Our gifts are individual in their use, but God uses all our gifts in concert with all the gifts of others. There is a phrase, "The whole is greater than the sum of its parts." The togetherness of them all creates a unity and a momentum that far outweighs what each of us could do on our own. God is like the puppeteer who uses all of our gifts in a synchronous manner. We know our part, but we rarely know the contribution of others.
God created these within us. David honors God about this in Psalm 139:14, "I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Marvelous are Your works, and I know this very well." As we mature, we learn about ourselves. We use our talents. Then when we become christians we see God use them.
Knowing ourselves and our gifts creates a sense of self worth. Other play a part with this, but being confident in our abilities does this also. Paul says in Romans 12:3, "For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but think of yourself with sober judgment, according to the measure of faith God has given you." We should think of ourselves correctly, no higher or lower. But an accurate assessment. That isn't being prideful, but true.
God's use of our gifts are supercharged. His power and grace uses them to levels that we could not do on our own. We don't take credit for that. We praise Him for including us. People with thank and honor us. We can praise Him in these moments. This can persuade unbelievers. The miracles and great works He does draws others to Him.
Our cooperation is necessary. We are to obey Him when He prompts us or if He opens doors for their use. It can make us nervous, as sharing our faith isn't always welcome. The Lord helps us with courage. Sometimes we fail and disobey. God is bigger than us and can repair it.
This is His Kingdom coming. His Kingdom is where He is king and rules. He wants to do that in and through us. Lord, help us to submit to Your rule. May You be able to do Your maximum will in us.
Lord, thank You for these gifts. Thank You for loaning them to us. Help us to comply with You. May You be glorified through us.