My parents are both in their late 80′s. They have been married for 67 years and are still completely in love with each other. They both love the Lord with all of their hearts and they have taught me to love Him also. I have learned so much from them just by observing how they have lived their lives for Jesus over the years. Whenever I spend time with them I’m always eager to record my visit in my journal so I won’t forget what I’ve learned or experienced. To me they are “Mama and Daddy” and I will introduce you to them that way. I want you to get to know them and learn from their years of wisdom as I have.
When I was nine years old Mama and Daddy bought me a piano. They saw that I loved music and thought I might do well at piano. They paid for lessons and encouraged me in every way. When guests came into our home, Mama would call me to the piano to play and sing for them and afterward, Daddy would always say that he was so proud of me. These guests included family and friends as well as the mailman, the plumber, a couple of door to door salesmen and anyone else that stopped by. They had no shame when it came to encouraging me to use what I had been given. Mama use to say, “God has given you a musical gift. You need to always use it for Him. If you don’t He may take it away from you.” I began in the music ministry in my church a few years later, at about age 13, and I’ve been in it ever since. I am so thankful that Mama and Daddy saw that I had a God- given ability in music and helped me to grow in it.
You see, God has given each of us gifts, abilities and talents to use for His honor and glory. He has good works planned for us to do with the gifts and abilities. All He wants us to do is use them and as we use them He’ll grow those gifts and abilities. And as He grows those gifts and abilities, He’ll provide more and more opportunities for you to use them. Take the time to discover your spiritual gift. Spiritual gifts are special abilities given to each believer by the Holy Spirit for the purpose of ministering to the Body of Christ. As you grow spiritually and get involved in your local church you will begin to discover what God has gifted you to do. He has also given each of us talents and abilities that should be surrendered to the Lord to be exercised in His service. Recognize what talents and abilities you have. God has given you these things for you to use for Him in conjunction with your spiritual gift.
If you’re still trying to figure out what your gifts and abilities are ask yourself these questions:
- When you sing or teach or serve does it minister to others and point them to Jesus?
- Do you enjoy doing these things and are others blessed by it?
- Do you get positive feedback each time?
Read Romans 12:3-9 to help you identify that area of ministry that motivates you the most. Then get involved. Make the most of each opportunity. Use all that God’s given you for His honor and glory, to minister to the Body of Christ and help further the Gospel. As Mama and Daddy would say, “Use your gifts!”
