He’s a Tough Act to Follow

Last Saturday, our oldest son was in the youth drama group Speechless’s annual presentation, aptly titled “Awake My Soul.” Chris Tomlin’s inspirational song was part of their opening act, and I watched, mesmerized as Jesse tapped into this inexhaustible energy that God’s given him to proclaim the gospel in a tangible way through drama. I couldn’t help but think about this wild manifestation of grace that takes place in him when he’s using his gifts for the Lord, whether he’s script writing, managing the stage, or playing a part. The Mom in me often sees his messy room and sometimes messy life, but when Jesse’s using his gifts for God, he’s a tough act to follow, and that’s real.

“Whatever you do, do all for the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)

I’m into the second chapter of Jennie Allen’s Restless study, and this week I paused to take an inventory of my own unique spiritual gifts. Unlike my son, I wasn’t really certain if I had any.

I spent a little time pondering this with God, and I considered what He had to say on the matter (you can read in Romans 12, Ephesians 4, and 1 Peter 4 to learn more).

As far as I was concerned, I wasn’t really clear on what a spiritual gift was. Thanks to Google, I now know that I understood it, I just hadn’t identified mine.

Spiritual Gifts
In Christianity, spiritual gifts (or charismata) are endowments given by the Holy Spirit. These are the supernatural graces which individual Christians need to fulfill the mission of the church. They are described in the New Testament, primarily in 1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12, and Ephesians 4.

Scripture has a way of making the truth stand out, and it challenged my beliefs, like how teaching, serving, exhorting, encouraging and giving are all considered gifts. I’d never really considered them as gifts, let alone my gifts.

In order to be gifted, I don’t have to be wildly talented.

According to God, there is no such thing as an unimportant Christian. One of my favorite Scriptures is Ephesians 2:10, especially in the New Living Translation:

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

Every believer has responsibilities in His Kingdom and a function in the Body of Christ. However, there is a tendency for someone like me, who’s not loaded with unusual natural talent or a glaringly obvious spiritual gift, to feel like more of a mess than a masterpiece, and as a result, overlook the gifts that God’s given me.

Don’t overlook your gift just because your name is not great. Instead, focus on using your gifts to make His name great.

Gratitude + Thanksgiving = Gods Presence = Joy

It’s a useful formula, and it works. I used to undervalue being a homemaker to my husband and our 4 children (now 2 adults, a teen, and a tween) and that became a dark cloud that overshadowed the dream I’ve had since I was a little girl:

To be a wife and a mother.

“There is no higher, holier calling than being a (Godly) wife and mother.” (Nancy Leigh Demoss)

I’ve been living out my dream for more than two decades, and inside that dream, I’ve been using my spiritual gifts. Yup, that’s right. I’ve been teaching, exhorting, encouraging and serving 4 great kids and one awesome man. I could kick myself for not seeing it sooner. Thank you, Lord, for helping me see the Light.

Don’t compare your gifts to others.

The tendency to compare my gifts with someone else’s is similar to a post I wrote a few weeks ago about running your own race (you can read it here). That’s the thing about comparison. It’s a thief. It will steal the truth about who you are in Christ, and it will trip you up. Christ is my standard. He may be a tough act to follow, but He’s thoroughly equipped me for the race I’m running, so I can grow in the gifts He’s given me.

Accepting our own unique gifts will allow us the freedom to enjoy the gifts that others have.

I may not be the best homeschooling Mom or Bible study leader, but I find satisfaction when I’m sharing the Word with a sister and teaching my kids. I love to serve my husband and urge others on to do great things, and I feel fulfilled when I’m giving my time and making a difference, whether it’s by offering a listening ear or by lending a helping hand. I love to write and use words to share the Word, and I love to be your encourager. These things may not seem important in the grand scheme of things, and they may not seem as impactful as someone like our son, who’s fearlessly being a vessel for the Gospel of Christ at center stage, but they matter to God, and He is crazy pleased when we’re doing it all for Him.

I’m thrilled with this study, because I’ve been restless for more, and God is showing me that all I had to do was take a closer look at Him to see the spiritual gifts that He’s given me, and use them for His glory.

Lord,
Thank you for the unique gifts and talents that You have given me. May I embrace them today, and know that You go wild when I am fully operating within them. Help me to seek the applause in heaven and not the approval of man, all for Your distinct pleasure and for Your glory.

In Jesus Name

How about you? Have you ever stopped to consider your unique spiritual gifts, and whether or not you’re using them for God’s glory? Why not ask Him today!