This past week I was painting with my 3rd and 4th graders. As I was doing a quick demonstration of the day's project, I told them that I'd be providing them a variety of brushes, and that they should use the right brush for the job. As I walked around the room, I had to remind them that I had given them a variety of brushes, and that they should use the big brush for big spaces, medium brush for medium spaces, and the small brushes for small/thin/detailed spaces. After saying the same thing to several students, I asked the class to stop what they were doing and give me their attention. I went to my document camera and pulled the brushes from my water cup to show the students exactly what they had. I then showed the class why, how, and where I'd use each of the brushes. Each brush served a different & specific purpose that was important in the creation of their paintings. Without them... it would be more challenging and less effective. Knowing the purpose and practice of the different brushes will yield a stronger work of art.
We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
Romans 12: 6-10
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.
1 Peter 4:10
There are times that we do not realize or embrace how God has wired us. We may look at others and feel they are truly serving God, but feel we have little to offer. Each of us has been given gifts/talents/skills that the Lord desires to see used for his glory & to minister to/serve others. Our gifts are different & specific. This is for a reason. The body of believers is meant to work together to fulfill what the Lord has give us to accomplish. Each has a beautiful and unique contribution. Like the brushes I gave my students, one brush could be used to create the entire painting, but it would not be very effective. The painting would suffer because of it. We are all different. We have different personalities, skill sets, strengths, passions...just as God designed us. We have a specific purpose in God's plan. It may not look the same as mine. It might not look like anything you've seen before. THAT'S OK. As we seek God...to know him & serve him...we will see more of who we are meant to be. As we grow in this, we will grow in the confidence of who he has created us to be.
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