Never downplay the talents and skills you have.  No matter how large or small they are, you have the right to be proud!

I have this great desk calendar that was gift from a friend and each day I receive some motivation or even a good laugh.  Actually, readers of this blog have seen a few quotes that I read on my calendar.  The not so strange part of this is that God seems to send the message I need on the day I need it.  I stand there sometimes with goosebumps and/or tears.  That is what happened this past week when I read this message.  “Never downplay the talents and skills you have.  No matter how large or small they are, you have the right to be proud!”  (no author was listed). I felt God wrapping his arms around me when I needed a hug from him reminding me of the talents and skills he blessed me with and that my only goals are to work hard, be proud, and glorify HIM.  The timing was perfect in his plan for me.

Glorify God 

God knew I needed this message.  He knew that I needed to stop struggling within myself and I needed to be able to celebrate my talents because these are gifts that God prepared for me according to Ephesians 2:10, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”  This reminder not only puts a smile on my face but reminds me to always give my best for the glory of God and no one else.  No one else matters because he gave us the greatest gift of eternal life.  Romans 6:23 reads, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”  This is my reminder that I live for the Lord and share my gifts for his glory.

God’s Gifts

I am blessed that the Lord has given me the perfect gifts, yet I am called to ensure that I use these gifts to glorify God.  Romans 12: 6-8 gives direction to all Christians in using their gifts, “Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.”  As I move through the coming weeks and use my gifts from God, I will be sure to glorify him more and focus on me less.  I know from the past when I look away from myself and toward Christ that I am truly blessed in my work.  I cannot become the like the Pharisees in Matthew 23: 1-3, “Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat, so practice and observe whatever they tell you—but not what they do. For they preach, but do not practice.”   My happiness is practicing what I preach and focusing my life on Christ.

Become Empowered

In closing I want to share scripture from 1 Corinthians 12:4 which reads, “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone.”  This scripture is a reminder to us all that God has given us gifts and these gifts should empower us to live lives that give God all the glory.  As I speak to coworkers, family members, or meet a stranger during my day, I  remember that I am living a life for the Lord.  I am Empowered by God!

Closing Verse:  1 Corinthians 10:31, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

Challenge:  Are you using your gifts to glorify God?  Reflect on how you are using your gifts that God has blessed you with.