To: You From: Dad- Gifts
I love watching kids opening presents on Christmas morning. The way they are so excited to find out what is inside the package. My daughters Maddy and Claire love gifts and can’t wait to rip off the wrapping paper and find out what surprise awaits within. As their father I love to give them gifts. I find great joy in treating them to a special present that might give them pleasure or make their lives easier or maybe help them help others. Who doesn’t like to receive gifts?
As a father who love his children it is quite satisfying to see my kids use the gifts that I have blessed them with. We bought Maddy a bike a few years ago, a two wheeler with training wheels. It was a little big for her at first and a little scary, but exciting for her at the same time. It took a couple of weeks for her to get the courage to ride it without me behind her, but after she got the hang of it she rode it like a pro. Finally, after awhile she got so good that we took off the training wheels and she was off a riding like a big girl.
I think God’s Spiritual gifts are to us like a two wheeler is to a little girl who has not quite mastered it; exciting but a little scary. I find it a bit easier to practice with mine (spiritual gifts) remembering that God is there beside me like I was beside Maddy on her bike. God is pleased to give us His gifts to build and equip His church both in spiritual strength and number. I believe it makes Him proud when He sees us exercising and learning how to use them to their potential. I remember when I let go of my girls bicycle seat and they rode off down the street all by themselves on two wheels, with a big grin and a loud shout I said, “Great job!” I wonder what heaven sounds like when we “Take off” in our giftings?
So, I am wondering, have you unwrapped your spiritual gifts. Do you know what it or they are. Have you been practicing with them? 1 Peter 1:10 tells us that we all have been given at least one spiritual gift and we should use it (or them) to serve one another and build up the church. So, let’s find out what we have within our wrapping and start practicing with our gifts and see how God might move within our church. He is always there to catch us! If we listen hard I’ll bet we might hear a very proud Papa say, “Great job!”
March 14th, 2009 at 8:31 pm
I liked what you said about God being right by us as we “practice” our gifts. It’s so important to remember that God is gracious and merciful and that we can step out and practice those gifts that have been given to us with confidence knowing our Heavenly Parent will be there to catch us if we veer, wobble, or lean a bit too much on our ride toward the growth of the reign of God. Thanks Rod.