Sharing Your Gifts
“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with 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 giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.”
Romans 12:6-8 NIV
I want to visit with you today to share your God-given gifts. But before I do that, I want to explain what I mean by this. I am fifty-five years old and I accepted Christ when I was 13. It wasn’t until later in life that I truly understood my gifts and how to share them.
As I matured in Christianity, I appreciated the power of sharing my gifts and how God uses them to spread the gospel. I have been a successful salesman and business owner for most of my adult life. I have always been confident in my ability to go out and convince people to buy from me or trust what I am telling them. God gave me the gift of building relationships and winning people’s trust. People gave me the gifts I needed to be a successful business owner.
But we are all different; each of us has some type of gift to share — i.e., preaching, music, cooking, singing, barbering, etc. I truly believe that everyone has some form of a gift. I just think that, like me, perhaps they did not recognize their gifts. Not all gifts are as evident as the talents possessed by a doctor, nurse, lawyer, scientist, or the like.
What I found interesting is that, whatever gift God gave you, this is your way of opening the door to a non-believer and gaining that person’s trust — which will allow you to share your faith and the gospel of Jesus Christ. Every one of you is good at something or enjoys certain activities or hobbies.
When Stacey and I started going to India, I could see how our resources and efforts were being used in a way God intended. It changed my life in many ways. I saw the impact firsthand from the humanitarian perspective: i.e., drilling water wells, taking food and clothes to villages, and providing other essential services. The impact on my faith and the effect on those we were helping was very moving. God was so present, and His hand was all over us. The results were powerful to watch. We felt terrific when we saw the impact on those we helped.
Stacey and I together made a complete transformation in our lives. No longer was it about building personal wealth or having things; it was more about helping others through what Christ has given us. I felt that we were finally using our gifts as God intended.
Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way, they will lay up treasures for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. – 1 Timothy 6: 17-19
For where your treasure is, there your heart will also be. – Matthew 6:21
For me, those verses are so powerful. We shouldn’t be storing treasures here in this life; we should be storing treasures in Heaven. We should be sharing whatever resources or gifts we have.
I believe God cares about wealth if used in a way that God cares about. I know God cares more about people coming to know Christ than building wealth or collecting treasures. If we align with God in what He has called us to do, He will provide the resources.
Today, when Stacey and I look at our company and how we use our resources, the thought process always starts with God and what He has called us to do. We think of our company as a kingdom business. We spend the money in a way that helps ministries and causes that God approves of FIRST. I believe that dollars become a ministry, and God smiles when we do this. We view our company as God’s wallet and are assigned to accomplish His request.
Today I am only talking about the gifts God gave me because gifts are not just money. I see amazing people spreading the gospel through serving, teaching, preaching, or sharing themselves or their resources in some way. We must look within and use our gifts to open the door for Christ.
We are only fulfilled and less effective once we prioritize building His house in our lives, family, community, and business. Jes’ words to seek God’s kingdom first must be the top priority. It’s remarkable how everything else falls into place when we make God first and foremost in our lives.
I ask you today to look at the gifts that God has given you, whatever they are, and start using them to reach others or open doors that will allow you to share your faith. It Is so rewarding when you give your resources or time to others; God will guide you in those efforts and bring joy to you and those who receive your help.
Thanks to all of you and the power of prayer, we have accomplished some remarkable things in India.
– Craig Smith