What happens when I use my God-given abilities?

Philippians 2:5-7You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave.

1 Peter 4:10God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.

God gives everyone specific strengths and natural abilities. And he gives his people spiritual gifts. Sometimes we neglect to use those abilities or get in the rut of using them only for ourselves. Seeing our abilities as gifts from almighty God can be humbling as we realize that he values us enough to put these gifts within our care. We can use them for our personal enjoyment, but we can also use them to serve others, for that is where they have the greatest impact. Through this act of serving others, we become channels through which God’s generosity flows, helping others experience his love and blessings through us.

Ephesians 4:11-13Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church . . . to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ . . . until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.

When using our God-given abilities, especially the spiritual gifts mentioned in this passage, we will feel happier and more fulfilled. Rejoicing in our gifts is good, but we should let that rejoicing be poured out as a thank offering to the God who gave them to us. Without God, our abilities are dreams without power, cups without water, engines without fuel. Are you grateful for the abilities and gifts God has given you and using them gratefully?