We Get Better – Week Six

When I purchased my home, the kitchen included appliances that far exceeded the quality found in my previous rental. I only had one complaint – I wished my fancy fridge included a water line. I couldn’t understand why they would have left out that basic feature. Then, months later, as I gave the refrigerator it’s first deep cleaning, I made a discovery. You guessed it – cleverly hidden on the inside wall was the filtered water I had been missing.

Fast forward three years. Recently, while eating cheesecake made by a friend in her new air fryer, came a discussion on the wonders of convection ovens. In that conversation, it dawned on me, despite having one, I had never tried it out. Even though I love baking and cooking, out of familiarity, I ignored that button. So after a little help from Google, I determined to invoke the power of convection in my kitchen. And you know what I found? It lives up to the rave reviews. Not only does it cut down on baking time, but the pastries are flakier, and the potatoes are crispy-er.

Far too often, we possess tools that we never engage or learn to utilize. While we are searching for the next thing or longing for what someone else has, we miss out on what is right in front of us. One of the saddest areas to observe this oversight is watching someone waste their talent. The Bible explains that each of us possesses a spiritual gift. And our gifts are meant to be developed and used to the fullest.

Listen to how Peter explains it, “As each one has a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” (I Peter 4:10 NASB) He continues by challenging those who can speak to speak like they speak God’s very words and those who serve to serve in God’s strength. Do you see the pattern?

1. God has given us a gift.
2. We should use the gift to serve others.
3. As we use our gift, we share God’s grace, but when we don’t use our gift, we are poor stewards.
4. When we serve, God’s works through us supernaturally.

Learning to utilize my kitchen appliances has a minimum impact on my life, but learning to use my spiritual gift changes the course of my life. Unfortunately, as with my fridge, I have spent too much time wishing for something I already have, or like with my oven, I have settled for what is comfortable instead of stretching myself and learning new things. But God’s desire is for us to grow and get better.

Let’s explore some unhealthy thinking that keeps us from using our gifts to the fullest.

I don’t have a gift (or I wish I had a different one).
Your gift may look different than other people’s, but that is precisely how God designed you! We are each created with intentionality for a distinct purpose. And no one was overlooked. Remember, gifts are not about bigger and better, but about serving one another. Hospitality, generosity, and service are included alongside teaching and leading.

I don’t know what my gift is or how to figure it out.
Often, this is stated as a deflection or in self-pity. If that the case, you need to do a heart check and realign your thinking. But if you honestly aren’t sure, there is only one way to find out, and that is to start where you are. You don’t uncover any treasure by sitting still or increase talent by standing on the sidelines. Ask yourself – what do I want to do, and what do I enjoy? Start there and keep trying until it clicks.

I don’t want to draw attention to myself.
False humility is not humility! If we are using our spiritual gifts, we are pointing to God. And God deserves unlimited praise and attention. He wants us to use our gifts so well that people see Him shining through. Instead of protecting yourself, consider the needs of others and the purpose of God.

I am waiting for the right circumstances to open up.
My natural response to this one is to shout – no, no, no! Why? Because I have wasted too much of my life believing this lie. Today is the day. Use what is in your hand right where you are. Circumstances will never be perfect. In fact, what you do today determines what your tomorrow looks like. The Bible teaches that faithfulness in small responsibilities paves the way for increased opportunities.

I know my gift and have been using it for years. (And I don’t have anything else to learn.)
I put that last part in parenthesis because not many people would say that out loud. But I have met too many believers who are coasting. They think they know how to do this Christian life, and they have arrived. Instead of learning and growing, they allow pride to hold them back. Until we are face to face with Jesus, our growth is not complete. Don’t stop improving – God’s not finished yet. You might be amazed at what your next season could bring!

I have tried this before and failed. What will be different now?
Don’t mistake your external circumstances as proof (or lack thereof) of God’s favor. Yes, God often gives us material blessings, but He is most concerned about what is happening on the inside. He hasn’t given up, so don’t give up on yourself. You have God and the Holy Spirit on your side. Whether you messed up or found yourself disappointed, remember, God doesn’t waste our pain. Instead, He is building our character.

My friend, you are surrounded by people who need to see God’s love in action. Determine to grow in God and use your gifts to the fullest. It would be a tragedy to possess a gift that can impact the world but to leave it unopened.