God's gifts

Bear Your Gifts

Dr. Mike 2024 , ,

Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.  Romans 12:6-8

Here Paul lists a few of the gifts God has given to people. This short list includes: prophecy, service, teaching, exhortation, generosity, leadership, and acts of mercy. There are more, but these are known in the Christian circle as motivational gifts. Every person you meet will possess and be dominate in at least one of these characteristics. The process of life is to discover which gift(s) you possess. Then exercise that gift for the benefit of others. And there lies the challenge.

It takes godly character to bear your gifts.

What often happens is one becomes prideful over their giftedness. We begin to compare our self with others or try to be something we are not. Or we may become envious of others for their giftedness. At times we may boast of our gifts. Or we may think our gift is more important than others and try to manipulate others for our cause. At times we may get irritated or depressed over others. The battle to walk in Christ-likeness with the heart of a humbled servant is forgotten. Our inward bent heart is running amuck.

Yes, it takes godly character to bear your gifts.

But when you use your gifts for your personal ego trip, you have loss the way. Your giftedness has taken over your soul. Instead of a spirit of godliness shining through, selfish ambition reigns. Your character is broken and you don’t realize the consequences until it’s too late.

Yep, it takes godly character to bear one’s gifts.

Jesus knows.

This is why HE made HIS kingdom available for all people. When one submits their kingdom under the authority of HIS Lordship, life takes on a new approach. HE empowers you with HIS Spirit. HE opens your eyes to a new worldview. You begin to see the world and its people through HIS eyes. You begin to hang out more with HIM. As you do you learn to follow HIS lead. HE begins to work with you to shape your character after HIS. Over time, you become more and more like HIM. You begin to taste eternal life now.

You find the trials and challenges of life shape your character after HIS. Life takes on new meaning and purpose. Everything you do becomes a moment of sharing time and space with HIM. HE shows you how to use your giftedness for HIS glory and for the sake of others. In the process you benefit. But overall, you live a life that reflects God’s way. You become a witness of HIS kingdom. As you exercise your gifts for the sake of others, you lift up Jesus as your Rabbi, Lord, and Friend. You gladly introduce others to the Jesus you have come to know.

Yes, it takes godly character to bear one’s gifts. That is one reason why we all need a relationship with Jesus.    

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler

“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,” (Colossians 1:9)

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God’s Gift of Satisfying Work

Dr. Mike Business & Faith , , , ,

Ecclesiastes 3:13

…everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God’s gift to man.

Many of us take for granted what we have or don’t have as it relates to work. When you have a career that fulfills you, rewards you, and gives you meaning in life, you may realize one day how blessed you have been. Others may admire you for your success, but you know happen chance is also a friend of yours. For most of us end up working at an occupation which we didn’t originally plan from our youth.

In my life time, I personally only know two people who knew what they wanted to do in high school, and upon their retirement lived out their youthful goals. The majority of the rest of us fell into different occupations until one of them became our breadwinner.

I myself spent the first ten years after college attempting to find something rewarding and fulfilling. I knew business was my field of endeavor and enjoyed working plus reaping the financial reward it brings, but struggled to find a niche. In those early ten years, I took roles in accounting, supervision, and even sales. In between, I delivered door samples, drove trucks, and filled vending machines. I took every role as a learning session preparing me for something else. Meanwhile, it paid the bills.

Only when I met my wife to be did I take a more strategic method to my waywardness.  Someone introduced me to the Johnson O’Connor Research Center which helps you analyze your 21 natural aptitudes and compares them with other people successful in their professional careers. This is where the doors opened up for me to pursue a career in the real estate industry. The rest is history.

When you align your God-given natural abilities with a desire to serve others for their success along with your passion to acquire knowledge, understanding, and wisdom of your field of study, you will rarely work a day of your life. You find opportunities will present themselves to you and allow you to choose the door which brings you satisfaction from work.

God created the world and planned for you and I to have the freedom of choice. People may try to steal your choice or you may even surrender your choice into bondage. Some may try to enslave you or you may choose to become enslaved. But God has already given you and I the means to make everyday special by expressing the attributes HE shares with us through the work we do. This is HIS gift to you, me, and  mankind.

If you are not satisfied in your current situation, ask HIM (pray) for help to resolve your dilemma. Then be attentive to the opportunities HE presents to you in your everyday routine. When something occurs outside the norm, pay special attention. When God is involved, the solutions are most often outside your normal think-tank. Be prudent. Not every opportunity is a prize. Some are trap doors. But you have to knock on the door and turn the knob. If it opens easily without negative repercussions, you may have your answer. If you have to force the door open, forget it. It’s not the one.

Life will present you with many opportunities. Time, experience, and history will teach you which ones may be better than others. There are no guarantees; only uncertainty. The only certainty you can count on is Jesus Christ being with you. So, whatever you face, you can lean on him and he will strengthen you and help you through the unwanted mess you may find yourself in; and also, be there to celebrate the good times with you.

God wants you to enjoy the life HE has created. The earlier we come to realize that fact and join HIM in his narrative, the quicker one comes to experience the richness of HIS life and all of creation.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Encourager & Founder of
Vocational Leadership 360
Author of e-Books:

 *  Dancing With God: Life-Giving Theology Explained
 *  Great Business Emulates a Good God
 *  Be Radical…Follow Christ!
 *  Simply The Messenger
 *  Unequally Married

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