Have you ever taken one of the those Personality tests at work, where they identify your work styles? Or maybe a test that would help you to figure out what your spiritual gifts are? There are several on- line, and a multitude of books on the topic. I have. The results were about what I expected. A few surprises of course. The real rub for me comes in when I look at how I am using those gifts, or not using them as it may be. Some times, I find that even though a need (at school, at my church, in a small group) falls into my area of gifting, I don't step up. On the flip side, sometimes I step up, and step up, and step up, until I am over scheduled and stressed out. Sound familiar? I think the key is, to look at opportunities to volunteer, in your community, or in a ministry, and really hone in on the ones that are congruent with your gifts. Look at where you could have the most impact. If you are doing work that is congruent with your gifting, it shouldn't feel stressful, it should feel good I think. If you are taking on things outside of your gifting, then you'll feel stretched, stressed, and overwhelmed. On top of that, by taking on that role, you are denying someone who does have a gifting in that area, the opportunity to step up and contribute. As the school year wraps up, I am sure, like me, you are faced with planning for Fall already. I would encourage you to take a spiritual gifts test. Really think and pray about things before you step up and volunteer. But do step up. Use your gifts. I believe that spiritual gifts are a use it or lose it proposition. We have them for a purpose, and they are given with an expectation that we will use them for good. In the words of a friend of mine, who is entrenched in projects right now, "Even if someone would volunteer to set up the coffee and donuts for me, that would be HUGE!!". Sounds like a little thing, but each little thing adds up to accomplish a big thing.
I am a girl with strong faith. Strong, blind, childlike faith. My atheist friends are bewildered by it. They cannot understand how such a smart woman would believe such "nonsense". I have no explanation other than, I just do. I preface this post with that statement because, you won't find me quoting scripture here. Though I would if I were more confident in my ability to do so competently. I do not have that confidence, never have. I am a believer. My belief has been nurtured by life experience, by answered prayers, by constant evidence that God cares about me. I see his hand in big things and small. I look to him for guidance and help in all things. I am not a Biblical scholar. I have always been somewhat insecure about that. I am bolstered up by the words of a Godly woman much wiser than I who assures me that "I am living my walk out loud". My faith is not in my knowledge of the scripture, but in the...
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