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There have been many an argument over spiritual gifts. What they are. What they aren’t. Who gets them? The list is endless. So much of life can be boiled down to the K.I.S.S. Philosophy. (Keep It Simple Silly [kind version] ) The source, purpose and results of the ‘gift’ are all that really matter. God is the giver. We are the recipient (gift receivers don’t choose their gift). The beneficiaries are others around us. The praise for the results returns to the gift giver, not the gift bearer. I know the arguments. There are theologs out there who will disagree with me. But I believe a spiritual gift is anything we do that benefits others and draws them closer to God. So here comes the heresy! Being a really good Walmart shelf stocker can be a spiritual gift if you do it with a joyful heart, in good character, giving glory to God. So don’t be surprised if you see a Walmart shelf stocker finish stacking a box of cookies and point to the sky. You’ll know they read my blog!
It’s not about me. It’s not about you. It’s about him. It’s not about what I can do or what I have, it’s about him and what he’s done. It’s not about you or what you’ve done or can do. It’s about him. I’m convinced that no one needs to be told they have problems or that they aren’t perfect. Even if they claim they are okay, in reality, they know better. The best way we can share the goodness of The Father isn’t by pointing out others faults, it’s about showing them a better way. One doesn’t need to be a theologian to proclaim Christ to others. In fact, often it’s the less educated in the depths of scripture that are most effective. The average person is best reached by simple facts. “Jesus loves me, this I know.” That’s all I really need to know and that is the basis of joy!
Some never experience the joy of forgiveness because they never admit their sin. Some never experience the joy of forgiveness because they refuse to forgive those who have wronged them. Some never experience the joy of forgiveness because they mistake confession and repentance. The joy of forgiveness comes when we learn to see ourselves solely as God sees us without comparing ourselves to others or blaming our plight on other people or circumstances. I am a hopeless sinner saved by the blood of Jesus and empowered through his resurrection by the Holy Spirit. This is my joy!
Sharing a burden helps the burden bearer because his load is lightened and he can gain new perspective on solutions, it benefits the one who comes alongside because he gains an understanding of the burden and the bearer, it helps both because when the task is done there is a sense of accomplishment and a bond between the two is created. You have a new brother or sister.
Adam and Eve hid in the bushes. Jonah tried to escape by ship. David committed murder. Today people still try to cover up those things they are ashamed of. Some try drugs and alcohol. Others try sex or new relationships. Others may spend their lives trying to control others or live in anger, bitterness or resentment. But the best way to deal our bad choices is confession. Confession before a loving God isn’t admitting we are a failure, it’s admitting our need for a savior. All of us fail. Sometimes, multiple times a day. Confession releases us from the guilt. Confession is like a small candle which defeats even the darkest night. Live free of shame. Live free of the shame. Confess your failures to God through Jesus Christ.
Mike Fisk & Built with Grace 