Just before Paul begins to explain we are one body with many members and different functions (Rom 12:4) he warns us, not to think more highly of ourselves than we ought to think.

And if you’ve ever stood on a stage to speak or sing, if you’ve ever been appointed to leadership, you’ve likely felt the temptation to do just that.

We are to use our gifts but remember they are just that —gifts.

We can’t get puffed up just because our gift may put us front and center more than someone else’s. We have to resist that temptation.

We also have to understand that if our gifts have us serving behind the scenes those gifts are no less valuable to the furtherance of the Kingdom.

I know for a fact that my adult kids and their spouses , along with many other young families would not feel comfortable being in church were it not for the nursery and childcare workers who genuinely love their children (I’m thinking of you Cheryl N, Karen P and Emma J.)

God has gifted each of us to use these gifts according to the grace that was given us. (Rom 12:6).

So if you feel yourself getting puffed up over your particular gift, remember it was given to you by grace not by your merit.

If you feel yourself feeling jealous over someone else’s gift (you don’t know how bad I’ve always wished I could sing), just remember God chose your giftings and He has a perfect purpose for what He has given you (and what He has not).

Our role is to use our gifts for the good of others and for the glory of the Perfect Giver.

readRomans12

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