Babies In Christ

Romans 12:6-8 – Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. (NKJV)

The other day in church, I was observing a young child playing with a very unusual toy. The child had a candy-cane-shaped container, filled with chocolate candy, and he was using it as a hook. All throughout the service, the child was content taking the toy and trying to hook people with it on their arm or their leg. While I was watching this child, a great revelation came to my mind. The child did have a toy, but he had so much more than that, even though he did not realize it. Not only did he have a toy, but he also had food within that toy. All the child had to do was draw near to an adult who knew that the container was filled with food and who knew that the child wanted it. Then, the child would be able to realize the full potential of his toy.

Sometimes, I believe we are like that child when it comes to God. Occasionally, God gives us a gift or a talent that we are content to use in some way that is not really the correct way. I also believe that sometimes He gives us gifts, but we do not really realize the full potential of His gifts because we have not drawn close enough to Him to realize the full potential. Like that child, we need to draw near to the One who knows our potential and our gifts so that they may be used for the edification of the church as a body. All the child had to do was approach an adult with hunger in his eyes, and all we have to do is approach God with a hunger for knowledge, wisdom, and revelation in our eyes. From this hunger and from this reaching out, God will help us reach our potential in Him.

1 Peter 4:10 – As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. (NKJV)

Prayer: Dear heavenly Father, help us to realize the full potential of the gifts that You have given us so that they may be used to further Your kingdom. We thank You for Your gifts. Yet, we desire to have a greater knowledge of the gifts that You have given us. Lead us into the true understanding of our gifts as we draw near to You with the hunger to grow. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.