Use the gift God gave you

Thu, 18 Apr 2024

‘God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased.’ 1 Corinthians 12:18

Have you ever opened a Christmas present only to be disappointed at the one you were given? You look around and see that others received a nicer present than yours. You noticed that some even received two great presents, which puts a damper on your Christmas experience. Maybe someone noticed your disappointment and offered to swap your present for something you like better.

The same thing happens in the Body of Christ. We may be unhappy at the gift we’ve received from God and envious of the gifts God has given others. So, you take it upon yourself to swap it for something you like better. That’s why so many people are running around claiming to be an apostle, a prophet, or a teacher—they’re gift-swapping. You don’t get to decide what gift God gives you. The Bible says, ‘God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased.’ (1 Corinthians 12:18 NKJV)

Sometimes, it takes years for you to recognise your gift and start operating in it. Instead of coveting another person’s gift, be thankful for your own and ask God to use it to bless as many people as possible. And if you have questions about it, search the Scriptures. Paul says, ‘God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable’ (Romans 11:29 NIV); ‘However, since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to use them properly: if prophecy, in proportion to one's faith;…’ (Romans 12:6 NASB20); ‘… But, each of you has your own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that’ (1 Corinthians 7:7 NIV). ‘But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.’ (1 Corinthians 12:11 NKJV). So, use the gift God gave you.