Your Move | Thursday
Thursday | July 02
Focus of the Week:
Each person is equipped by God in a unique way to extend the Kingdom. We are given gifts of the Spirit which aid us in the overall mission of Jesus from week one: to seek and save the lost.
Each person is equipped by God in a unique way to extend the Kingdom. We are given gifts of the Spirit which aid us in the overall mission of Jesus from week one: to seek and save the lost.
Scripture
Scripture Helps Us Hear God And Live His Truth.
In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.
Romans 12:6-8 NLT
Romans 12:6-8 NLT
Use It Well
As we hit the midweek point, we again see one of the Apostle's urging us to use the tools God has given us to make much of Him. It should be our aim to use our gifts well so that those around us may notice a difference between us and the world (Matthew 5:13-14).
But to use those talents with distinction, we must first properly adjust our own assessment of them. Paul cautions us in this passage to be wary of ego or false self-assessment, and to exercise sound judgment and trust in faith. To do that, we have to be willing to develop our gifts and consider our motivations honestly (1 Corinthians 4:1–2). Perhaps you have preconceived expectations about what engaging your gift looks like. God may be leading you to use your gift of teaching in a way that is not teaching in a class setting. Or perhaps it's leadership that is leading a small group rather than a large team. Whatever that challenge is, acknowledge it and be willing to take a step of faith.
In whatever your gifting might be, take Paul's urging here to use the gift well, showing kindness to others so that Jesus may be made known. This displays who our God is in His goodness as well as in His generous creativity with giving each of us all that we need to share who He is.
But to use those talents with distinction, we must first properly adjust our own assessment of them. Paul cautions us in this passage to be wary of ego or false self-assessment, and to exercise sound judgment and trust in faith. To do that, we have to be willing to develop our gifts and consider our motivations honestly (1 Corinthians 4:1–2). Perhaps you have preconceived expectations about what engaging your gift looks like. God may be leading you to use your gift of teaching in a way that is not teaching in a class setting. Or perhaps it's leadership that is leading a small group rather than a large team. Whatever that challenge is, acknowledge it and be willing to take a step of faith.
In whatever your gifting might be, take Paul's urging here to use the gift well, showing kindness to others so that Jesus may be made known. This displays who our God is in His goodness as well as in His generous creativity with giving each of us all that we need to share who He is.
Reflection
Reflection Helps Us Pause, Listen, And Let God Speak To Our Hearts.
- What does it mean to use my gifting well?
- Is the expectation I have for my gifting keeping me from using it?
Journaling Prompts
This Is A Safe Place To Be Honest With God
- How can I use my gift to display who God is this week?
- What can I do differently that displays God's goodness through using my gifts?
Weekly Memory Verse
Read It Once A Day. Let It Shape How You Think And Pray This Week.
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
James 1:17 ESV
James 1:17 ESV
Prayer
Through Prayer, We Talk To God And Listen For His Guidance.
Lord, thank you for all you have given me. Help me to use all you have given to show who you are to those around me. I love you Lord, and praise you for who you are! Amen.
Come Back Tomorrow
Join us tomorrow as we look to where Jesus wants us to share the Gospel.