Honoring one another.

KEEPIN IT REAL!

I had this thought today that there must be a better way of loving others and the gifts God has so graciously bestowed on them rather than comparing myself to them. I was given a greater appreciation of the gifts others have.  How they are expressed though different personalities.  But I must look through the eyes of humility. I heard this random statement " I really appreciate what you bring to the table." I began to think about the many gifts and callings we have.  They as many variations of gifts as there are believers in the body of Christ. I thought immediately of the marriage supper of the lamb and all believers gathered at the table enjoying all that we have been given. It reminded me of a church potluck meal, where everyone brought their best dish for everyone to enjoy.

The one thing I forget is that our gifts are for the good of others and not for vain glory. They are not something we use for personal gain or attention. They are to be given to others as our service to God. We must make our goal to give our gifts to the betterment of people and not to sooth our desire to be appreciated. Freely you have been given so freely we must use what we have to bless others.

Also, we must begin to enjoy the gifts people bring to the body with out jealousy or covetousness to have their gifts and talents. They have been given to us for our growth, maturity, and enjoyment. We must appreciate what others bring to the table and lift them up making them better than ourselves. Our ministry calling to fulfill is to empower others to reach their destiny in God. I think of Jesus telling his disciples that they would do even greater works than the miracles he did on earth. Jesus was all about empowering his followers to do the works he did. God has always wanted partners that would serve one another in love.

What would a potluck dinner be like if everyone brought the same dish to the table? It would be a very boring meal for most of us. But knowing our sinful nature, it would quickly become a contest of who had made the best.

So I ask myself this question. Do I enjoy the gifts others bring to the body of Christ or is my focus on hearing everyone tell me how great what I have to give is? If you truly want to be living for God you will wrestle daily not to be self focused but to build up your brother. True success is seeing the ones you have served become great in the kingdom and by doing this you will be living your destiny. It is better to give than receive. "I really do appreciate what you bring to the table."