Daily Devotion August 24

August 24: 1 Corinthians 12:4-11

KJV Key Verse: 1 Corinthians 12:7
7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal .

Devotion:
Some of you may be so scared of heights that you would never contemplate abseiling in any way. Maybe you will be the one that has immense joy out of sailing. Maybe you will be the one that is able to create fantastic works of art. Maybe you can direct people, films, plays or whatever. Each of us has been given gifts from God that are unique to us. Could you imagine a place where all people are only able to do the same thing? Maybe everyone can make cars, but nobody can drive them. Nobody would benefit from having cars made…

When someone turns round to you and tells you how useless you are, or how bad you are at doing something, you can always take comfort in knowing that you can excel in ways they cannot. But if you know you are very good at doing something, then you should try and use that gift for one purpose and that purpose should be to lift up the one that gave you the gift. We should never go out to try and boast that we are the best at something unless you are telling everyone about how God has given you the gift of being able to be the best in the world!

Likewise we have no cause to judge anyone as to how bad they are at not being able to do something. Yes, we can help them to understand what they are doing right or wrong in our eyes, but it is up to them and God alone to be the final judge. We can help someone to know they are slipping, or we can help others to know they are succeeding.

Our success is based on how we use our gifts. Our success can only be judged by our maker, God. What we should be doing is trying our best to use the gifts we have been given to glorify God. Tell people how God has enabled you to do the things you do. Tell them how wonderful God is for allowing you to do things and to use your gifts and skills. I know I have gifts and some people get very upset with me when I try to use those gifts to help others; but I try to make sure they know God is in control!

Points to Ponder:
What are you really good at?

Do you acknowledge God when you do things?