Read Romans 12:3-8 in your personal Bible or at the link provided.
Review
- What does Paul warn us about?
- How does he describe believers?
- What has God given us?
Reflect
Paul wrote that God has given all believers different gifts and abilities, and he listed some examples that can be found within a church. He calls believers parts of the body of Christ, meaning that everyone serves a distinct function with their unique gifts.
God created us all with different gifts and passions, and examining ourselves to learn what we’re best at is one way we can discern what work will be fulfilling for us. Few things are as frustrating as being in a role in life that doesn’t match our gifts or greatest strengths. Our abilities and our passions might not always line up into one perfect job.
You can be using your gift and still miss your calling because you don’t have any passion for where you are applying it. You might use your gift to make a living in a traditional job but use that same gift to express your passion in another area. You can find your paycheck apart from your passion, but you can’t find your calling apart from your passion.
Respond
- Are you aware of your gifts and passions? Take time to list out what you’ve been gifted in and what you’re passionate about. If you have trouble determining either, ask God and a trusted friend or mentor to help by telling you what they see in you.
- Do your gifts and your passions align with the work you do now, whether it’s at a 9-to-5 job, a volunteer position, the role you serve at home, or elsewhere?
- Think about the people in your life and what you’ve seen them be gifted in or passionate about. Who can you encourage to either start or continue to use their gifts and passions in order to build God’s kingdom?
Pray through these questions, and write down what God is prompting you to do next. Share with a friend, and take a step to apply it.