Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
1 Peter 4:10-11
During my years in Ethiopia, I am continually amazed at the diversity of gifts that God has given to men, women and children. Scripture only names a few but Peter states the purpose of these gifts so well....they are given to serve others and to bring God glory!
I love to see God's people using their unique gifts to serve others. Last month, we were able to see a dear friend do exactly that among the Gumuz people. This friend has many gifts... in soccer, in evangelism, in encouragement but what struck me the most was his servant attitude. As he shared his gifts with the Gumuz evangelists, he served them.
He could have focused on his skill at soccer which would have brought glory to himself but he continually brought the gospel into his teaching. Worship songs were sung as they collected balls and joined together in the centre of the field. Encouragement flowed from his lips. The gospel flowed from his mouth.
As he trained these evangelists to use soccer to share the gospel, he didn't separate the physical and spiritual gifts of soccer and speech. He continually brought them together....for the glory of God.
Our hope is that the men trained last month will not only have gained skill in soccer but a realization that as they teach the Gumuz children, they are teaching them and serving them....for the glory of God. What are your gifts? How are you using them to serve others to bring God glory? He is doing great things...through YOU!
No comments:
Post a Comment