“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”  (James 1:17, NIV)

 

When I began my writing journey, one of the important issues that God addressed with me immediately, was humility in sharing my gift. He desired for me to utilize the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to edify the Saints, while enjoying the creative genius of turning words into pictures to convey a message. I noticed at an early age; I had a gift for conveying ideas on paper. It came natural to me, just as breathing did. However, as the gift began to expand through training and practice, using it became even more pleasurable and satisfying to share.

 

The Bible states in Proverbs 18:16 (KJV), “A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.” As we can see our gifts have a purpose greater than us. Our gifts will bring us before great men simply because they have need of them. We answer their needs. That’s the purpose for every gift of service.

 

Ephesians 4:11-13 (NIV), distinguishes between the various gifts God has allocated for the edifying of the Body of Christ, “So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”

 

As we all know, too often people have used their gifts inappropriately, not for God’s glory, not even for the edifying of others, but usually for their own vainglory. Instead of sharing their giftedness, they are showing off, or misusing the gift to gain popularity and attention, which detracts from the purpose for which the gift was given. Our gifts were not given for us to shine, but for us to share. Yes, praise will come if our gifts are being used in the beneficial way they were purposed; to answer a need. However, we can’t use the praises of people to acquire vain glory for ourselves. If we do, we will get caught-up in our own vanity and completely derail our purpose.

 

John 15:5 (NIV) reminds us, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

 

When we step into our own self-centeredness; the place where we idolize our gifts and talents, and our own abilities, we will be traveling a road leading to destruction. The news headlines are filled with derailing stories of gifted people who once were at the top. But too often, we don’t think about the fact that, God gave the gift to them at birth, and even though they misused it, He never took it back, they just destroyed themselves using the gift apart from His purpose and His guidance.

 

Our position should always be, in Christ, not above Him. We are not meant to shine apart from Jesus Christ, we are only supported when we shine in Him. He is the light, we are the candle, so our glow comes from Him, for us to light the way to truth and spiritual understanding for someone else. When we use our gifts well, everyone benefits; God, others, and you.

 

Remember: Your gift is for your anointed assignment, just stay humble in your purpose and go make a difference, someone has need of you.