Speaking of Gifts

Romans 12:6-8
We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.  If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy according to your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

          God gives each of us gifts--strengths, if you will--to enable us to serve the needs of others.  These are the qualities, that because of God's empowerment, seem to come naturally to some and not to others.  (A similar list is found in I Corinthians 12:4-11).  Interestingly, most of these characteristics don't seem extraordinary at all, but are things we aspire to as Christians, anyway.  I want to serve; I want to encourage; I want to show mercy, but not all of these things are second nature to me.  Some, I have to really work at, and I very much need an example of what it looks like in real life.

I Peter 4:10
Each of you should use whatever gift you havve received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms.

          I believe one of the main reasons God sent Jesus to live on earth for 33 years instead of just having him come here and die right away, is because we needed the example of his life to know what it looks like to live an others-centered life--to love, to serve, etc.  I also believe that it is the reason he has given you to me, us to eachother.  I need your example of strength to imitate in my weakness.

3 John 1:11
Dear friends, do not imitate what is evil but what is good.  Anyone who does what is good is from God.  Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God.

It was not arrogance that made the apostle Paul tell the Corinthians, "Therefore I urge you to imitate me."  (I Corinthians 4:16)  It was his unselfish desire to give away the gift he had received from God.  When I see the spiritual strengths in you to which I aspire, I see God. I need to be a witness to your strengths.  You are a gift to me!