...that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
— 1 Peter 4:11
AS AN EXPRESSION of His great and generous love, God has given each of us gifts. To some He has given the gift of mercy, to others He has given the gift of exhortation, to others the gift of wisdom, or prophecy, or teaching, or giving. Each of us can be sure that we’ve been given at least one gift—one area in which we are supernaturally adept.
THE GIFTS WE HAVE BEEN GIVEN ARE NOT FOR OUR OWN GLORY, BUT FOR GOD’S.
It is sad when people try to gain notoriety or adoration from God’s gifts. But it is beautiful when someone gives God credit for their abilities. One of the world’s greatest composers, Johann Sebastian Bach, used to write on every composition, “To the glory of God.”
As Paul said, “What do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?” (1 Corinthians 4:7). Every gift will find its highest and greatest value when it is used to minister God’s grace to others.
Do you know what your spiritual gift is? It is important that we discover the gift (or gifts) God has given to us and use them to serve others and glorify God. Are you doing that? Are you blessing God by giving Him back the gifts He gave to you?
Father, we are so awed by Your generosity and Your love. Help us, Lord, to use the gifts which You have entrusted into our care for Your benefit and for Your glory.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.