GUARDING THE GIFTS

Do you feel of little value tonight? Do you feel like everyone else is more witty, knowledgeable, loveable or talented than you are? Satan loves to encourage us to look at ourselves in distorted mirrors, seeing only what we dislike about ourselves – our shortcomings and failures – and overlooking our strong points. I doubt that anyone ever feels perfect, nor should they. Only God is perfect. But, while some people have sensational singing voices, others paint beautiful pictures, and others have exceptional physical prowess. There are none of us who are without special talents and gifts. Remember, we are individually special to God. He made us just as we are. Everything we are comes from Him and He is the giver of all good things. He has given each of us special gifts or talents meant to be used for His glory. Don’t let Satan tell you tonight that your talents are meager or unimportant. Nothing being used for God’s glory is unimportant to Him. Guard well the splendid, God-given ability you received as a gift from the Holy Spirit who lives within you. Recognize and develop your God-given talents, whether they be the ability to listen well, balance a budget, witness one-on-one, write poetry, bring out the best in a child with a learning disability, or build bridges. Rest comfortably this evening, knowing that the talents God has given you are important to Him.