Pry Open Your Gifts, Now!

In [H]is grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. ~ Romans 12:6a

As we're approaching the gift-giving season, we often think of which types of gifts we should give to our friends, colleagues and loved ones. Each person is unique, and each would appreciate and use specific gifts differently. I'm sure that my daughter would rather have gifts created or purchased specifically with her in mind, rather than sharing in a gift I purchase for my husband...or for my dog!

God is the same way. He created each of us in His image, yet we are all unique. He has a set of spiritual gifts that He has given to the Body of Christ, yet these gifts are all unique and specific to each individual.

Pry open the wrapping of the beautiful gift that God has given you, and check it out! You don't have to wait until Christmas--do it now.

COACH'S QUESTIONS:

1) How is your gift 'wrapped'? What type of package is it in? In the natural realm, some gifts are wrapped so beautifully that we don't want to tear the packaging to see what's inside! God may have wrapped your gift beautifully, but the gift itself is a treasure. Don't be afraid to take some time to examine and appreciate the exterior, but don't drag your feet getting to the good stuff inside.

2) What 'certain things' do you do well? I don't cook regularly, but I am learning from trying that I do follow instructions in a recipe well. (That doesn't mean that the dish always turns out like I planned, but hey, it's a process!) During this holy day season, I think of all the talents and gifts on display. There are some fabulous cooks who don't need a recipe, some decorators who create beautiful ambiance for celebrations, talented budgetistas who stretch a dollar to extend the blessings, servants who don't mind running errands for last-minute items or cleaning up...the list goes on. Where do your talents and giftings fit in? Thank God for those, because they are appreciated, especially by those who don't have those gifts or talents.

3) What 'different gift' do you have, or what makes your gifting 'different'? Curling irons and flat irons may look a lot alike and be utilized similarly, but the results are totally different. Our gift may be named and operate similarly to those of other people, but our results will be different based on the purposes to which the Lord has called each of us. Where do you see difference or uniqueness with your gift(s)?

4) Where can you see His grace in your gifts? What are you talented to do, but only gifted in His grace? I recently had to audition for my church's choir and praise team. I'm a decent singer, but it was ONLY by His grace that I didn't sound like clanging cymbals or a rusty gate that day (1 Cor 13:1)! Here's hoping and praying His grace on some of these Thanksgiving recipes.

Remember also that we're called according to His purposes (Romans 8:28), and not our own. How will you use your unique set of gifts, talents and abilities this season to bless others and to reflect His light in this world?