It’s a safe assumption that all of us see life through the lens of our own experiences. Our family of origin, childhood, work life, belief systems, friendships, struggles, successes, failures and so much more all shape the way we view the world around us, and because of this, our individual response.
As I grow in relationship with The Lord, my view expands. Little by little, He uses new experiences to continue shaping and molding my mind and heart.
Today I’m simply in awe of the greatness of our God, and how He works things together. How amazingly connected it all is to His kingdom.
He is God over the past, the God of the future, the One reigning over all eternity. He is Lord in the Carolinas, King of church plants in Connecticut, Ruler of Missionaries in Africa, Shepherd over the Quad Cities. Who are we, that He would be mindful of us?
It’s such a privilege to see little glimpses of God working through His people, through His church, locally and around the world. There can be no greater purpose than to be a part of what He is doing, living out our individual giftedness for the glory of God and the good of others.
You and I may not be the ones called to dig wells, or plant churches, or move our families to the the far reaches of the world for the sake of the gospel. But those of us in Christ have received gifts and talents useful for kingdom expansion.
What other response can there be but to join in the mission, serving God wherever He has planted us, in the way we’ve been gifted?
3For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. 4For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with youra faith; 7if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. Romans 12:3-8
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