Using Our Gifts

I am constantly amazed by the varied gifts God bestows on his people. As I pray for the missionaries supported by our church, I marvel at their many talents. Some work with children and others with students, families, or the elderly. Some plant churches, evangelize, and preach. Some teach in universities or develop curriculum to train future missionaries. Some are in the USA, others are overseas. Some focus on clerical or tech support activities that make it possible for others to serve. Each is an important part of God’s work.

I am fortunate to coordinate a food pantry at my church and am incredibly blessed by the gifts and talents shared by the forty or so volunteers that participate. A majority of the volunteers work regular “shifts” with the people visiting the pantry, helping them register and select food, taking food to their cars or loading it into the carts of those who come on foot. But others purchase food, stock shelves, keep our equipment in good order, process donated food, take inventory, make creative signage and bulletin boards to brighten the work area, or maintain the records and reporting necessary to receive food from partner organizations. Myriad behind-the-scenes tasks make the ministry possible! But the majority of the volunteer work goes unseen by those visiting the pantry. And what’s more, the volunteers are always willing to step in when needed. I’m constantly amazed when one of them offers to do a task that I dread—and they enjoy it because they are exercising their God-given talents.

Today’s devotional talks about two of God’s servants that had more obvious creative gifts. I would like to encourage you, as I encourage myself, to do two things: First, use any gifts God has given you (be they obvious or “quieter” ones) to bless the body of Christ, knowing God will be glorified through it. Second, personally thank those “invisible” people whose work makes the more public ministries possible. A word of encouragement can go a long way and will definitely brighten their day! God bless you for all you do for God’s kingdom!