The Amazing Grace of God Pt. 6
In the last two posts, we looked at recognizing God’s grace around you and recognizing God’s grace in you. Today we are going to look at the final place you need to recognize God’s grace: THROUGH you!
Did you know that God’s primary purpose of blessing you is so that you can be a blessing!
This is what God told Abraham when He first called Him:
“The Lord had said to Abram, ‘Go from your country, your people, and your father’s household to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you and whoever curses you I will curse, and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.’” Genesis 12:1-3 NIV
God created you – and re-created you, for this very Purpose!
God has called you to be a river, not a lake. You have special God-given gifts, resources, and abilities that the Bible calls “graces.” In fact, the Greek word for “gifts” is actually the word for grace. And the root word for grace is joy.
This is why when you are doing something you are really good at, it brings you joy, it brings God joy – because He made you to be good at that – and it brings others joy because we enjoy watching people do things they are good at.
However, when you try to be something you are not, or accomplish something you aren’t gifted for, you don’t enjoy it, it doesn’t work, and it doesn’t bless those around you!
What does this have to do with spiritual things? I like to say it this way:
“When you shine, God shines.”
When you use your gifts to their fullest extent it glorifies God because it reveals the way He created you.
Humility is not hiding or muting your gift. This actually dishonors God. Humility is just not taking credit for it.
Do you remember Eric Liddel for the 1924 Olympics? He told his sister, “God made me fast, and I feel His pleasure when I run.”
He recognized that his abilities were from God. Do you?
You can have a grace to teach, to lead, to parent, to give, to heal, to prophecy, to have a sense of humor, to show compassion, to think critically, to organize, to sing, to manage a household, to run a business, counsel, to play an instrument, to be athletic, as well as so many other things.
You know you have a gift when what you do so well seems to you like anybody could do it, but they can’t.
And remember, your gifts are for the purpose of blessing others:
“Something from the Spirit can be seen in each person, for the common good.” 1 Corinthians 12:7-11 NCV
And God expects you to use them:
“God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.” 1 Peter 4:10 NLT
And here are two great truths!
- God’s graces on your life will never be removed. If you haven’t been using them, you can start today!
“For God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable.” Romans 11:29 NIV
- Jesus has rewards for you in heaven based on how you used your gifts for Him on earth.
“Listen! I am coming soon! I will bring my reward with me, and I will repay each one of you for what you have done.” Revelation 22:12 NCV
THINK ABOUT IT:
Q. What gifts, abilities, and talents do you believe God has given to you?
Q. What can you do today to develop these graces and use them to be a blessing to your church and to your world?