Romans 12:6

"Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given us, let us use them..." (Romans 12:6)

Warning!!! Semi-personal

This verse particularly sticks out because I've often denied the gifts God has given to me just because I haven't quite figured out what my gifts are. This verse implied that God has given each of us a gift, and no one is left without a gift because we are 'individually members of one another' (12:5) in the body of Christ. Therefore, to deny having any gifts would be to deny God's justice. I often ponder what I can do for God, what are my gifts that I can exercise for God's purpose. Many times I end up with a blank sheet of paper. There are many things I can do, but I haven't found anything that I really excel at. It's like the saying, 'A jack of all trades, but a master of none.' Sometimes it bothers me that there's nothing that I can do really well, and it doesn't help when people compare you with others.

I have been asked many times, "Why don't you translate like your sister?" Everytime someone asks me that, the parable of the talents comes to my mind. 'And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability' (Mt. 25:15). I just answer to myself, 'because I have one talent' and it's not in translation. Maybe it's fear, maybe it's the lack of practice, but translation definitely hasn't shined as a gift given to me. However, I haven't given up on trying to find the gifts that belong to me. I just find it awkward why people would ask me that question, including pastors.

I've been told by my mom through her personal experience that you can ask God for gifts. I've also come to realize that gifts don't always come naturally. Sometimes you have to work at something to get better and better. If you work hard and ask God to add on to your effort in order to work for Him, He will listen to our request. Even though we might not have been born with certain gifts, it doesn't mean that they are not obtainable. It's true that something may come a lot easier to someone born with the gift. However, someone else who works hard to obtain that same talent may come out on top. Therefore, if we see a need of a certain talent at church, and pray to God to help us so that we may work for Him, I'm sure God will answer our sincere prayers. Afterall, He has answered my mom's prayer.

My mom has already pre-warned me that she's going to train me to translate just as she did my sister. I'm a little overwhelmed by it because I know I'm not fast with words. However I realize there is a need at church, so I pray that God may be with me to take away that fear and the feeling of being not good enough; because, doubting ourselves equates doubting the power of God. I pray that I can be a good vessel for God without being proud. Through observation, I've come to see the pride in people when they realize their many talents. It has come to take a toll on the growth of the entire church. I pray that will never happen to us when we serve God. We should always keep in mind that we are blessed with gifts to work together in accomplishing different things in the body of Christ. The Bible Study Leader should not belittle the dish washers. Each member of the body has its purpose. Hopefully we can all find our gifts and use them to serve God righteously.