I love the way 1 Peter 4:10 is worded in the NASB: “As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”
God has not just given you a gift, but a special gift. If you are like many people, especially those in the thick of parenting, there is a good chance you are not actively using your gifts. I get it — this is a busy season, and the calendar is filled to the brim. But no matter in what season of life you find yourself, there is ample opportunity to do what God has called you to do and use the gifts He has given you. At the end of the day, parents can either help raise future pew warmers or Kingdom changers. Yes — Kingdom changers! You are the greatest influence to your children. They will emulate what they see — and they need to see you using your God-given gifts, so they are encouraged to do the same.
So, how do you purposefully use your gifts — especially when your calendar seems saturated? If you do not already begin your day asking the Lord to direct your steps, then start now. Take a close look at what you are choosing to invest this precious time in, and shift your motivation to where the goal is one of a Kingdom-minded agenda. The soccer game, grocery store run, and doctor’s appointment can simply be part of your to-do list, or they can be the places where you are the Body of Christ to those already on your calendar. You are God’s creation, and He wants to use you — not when you have “spare” time or your children are self-sufficient. Nope. He wants to use you right now — in the throws of your current season. The question is: are you allowing Him to use you in this season? Stop making Jesus your Sunday morning appointment, and start making Him Lord over all.
If you find yourself thinking you are not creative, gifted, etc., then think again. You were made in the image of the Almighty Creator (Genesis 1:27). Do you know what that means? You, my friend, by divine orchestration, are a creative individual — you are not a robot made to march in line with the masses. There are good works He prepared in advance for you to do (Ephesians 2:10), and you need to do them. Whether you have nursing babies who do not sleep or teenagers preparing to leave your nest, it is never too early (or late) to walk in your calling — and to teach your children to do the same. This is a beautiful opportunity for your family to flourish in faith together.
Do you want to know what your spiritual gifts are or have more direction on how to use them? You can start by taking the assessment at stonebriar.org/membership. And remember, you are gifted because you are His. It is not by your own strength or talent, but by His divine design that you can fulfill the calling He has on your life. Let us not be complacent Christians, but let us go and be all He desires.
His,
Gabbie
