What Gifts Do You Have?
I met Gary Ziegler years ago. Gary was and is a Methodist Pastor, and he has a gift many do not possess. For instance, he is an artist and can paint a beautiful picture while preaching. Gary has many interests. He is a hunter, fisherman and good conversationalist. In retirement, he has served several churches with the love of Jesus. He has made them feel like they are part of the Kingdom of God when they needed it the most. God has given Gary many gifts, but the gift of art and preaching together is the one I’m totally amazed with. He can talk the entire time while he is drawing, and when he steps away, there is a picture – a thing of beauty.
The Apostle Paul affirms the purpose of diverse gifts God has dispersed to His people. Every member of every family has a gift, and these gifts are to glorify the Lord and to build up others in love. (Romans 12:3-5) In my forty-five years of ministry, I have served many churches. In each church, there were people with gifts that were needed to build up and grow the church. The only problem was that some didn’t realize the gifts they were given, and because of this, the church failed to be the instrument of love that God wanted it to be. Paul tells us that God wants us to identify and use our gifts to edify others and point to Jesus. (Romans 12:6-8)
God has given each of us spiritual gifts, talents, skills, and experiences to serve. As we celebrate God’s creativity, He uses our uniqueness to spread the Gospel and build others up in love. Your gift changes lives! Whatever your “gift,” God has a place and a need for you!
Romans 12:6 – We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.