I Corinthians 12:7
“But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.”
God has something for all His children. Here’s a comment from Jesus, “To one he gave five talents, to another two talents, and to another one talent—each according to his own ability. And he went on his journey”, (Matthew 25:15). He has gifted all of us with different abilities.
This resonates with our world. People need meaning. With each of us having a gift or a talent, we have the potential for meaning. Our world gives participation trophies in an effort to give meaning to all. I appreciate the intention, but it falls far short.
The problem many have is that they aren’t aware of their gift. Another problem is that it can be used in the wrong context. Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” I’ve heard the wording as, “Train up a child according to his way”. The parents in their wisdom recognize the child’s gift and nurture it. They make the child aware of the gift and teach the application.
My mom recognized my gift when I was a teenager. She said people liked me because I was a good listener. I didn’t appreciate that until I was in my forties. I became a volunteer counselor at church. With those around me I am a listener to them.
In my twenties I was involved in youth ministries. I thought God wanted me to be a pastor. He closed those doors. I am so thankful that He did. A pastor is very relational. Much of his vocation involves speaking. I’m a listener, not much of a talker. I was seeking to enter a job that was contrary to my nature. I could have done it, but He knew it would have been difficult to function in an arena that was contrary to my make up.
We are more joyful when we are walking in our gifting. It’s just right. As we walk with Christ, He not only improves our character, but He opens doors in which we walk according to our gifts. He knows best. I believe He opened the doors for counseling and closed the doors for pastoring. He also opened the door for a job working on business machines. I learned that being mechanical was part of my gifting.
It’s a wonderful thing to be God’s child and have Him guide and equip. It’s as if He’s our life coach and tutor. If we trust Him with our lives He will guide, equip, open and close doors.
Thank You, Lord, that You have blessed us all with gifts. Thank You for guiding us and making all that known. Thank You for opening doors for us and helping us in those areas.