How are you gifted?

Ever wonder why certain episodes of Little House in the Prairie make you tear up? Ever wonder why you don't? Ever wonder how a person can get up in front of a crowd of people and deliver a message that actually makes sense? How about how a person who can write a song that makes you jump out of your seat or breaks your heart? It's God. God has made us sensitive to things and events we see or are involved in. We can be like the person who, in a Little House story, becomes enraged at the sight of injustice, or saddened by the death of a friend. It is almost as if they can feel the exact pain the other person is going through. We need people who aren't afraid to show emotion. But sometimes all that emotion is difficult to put into action to help solve the issue at hand. It is then we need the person who still is mindful of each situation, but yet is able to detach himself from each individual event. We need both the "Town Crier" the one who can separate emotion from action. That's where God's gifting comes in. If we all just got mad or sad, unfortunately nothing would change. That's why we need the guy who though he might not weep at a show, has passion but has it directed to solving the issue.

Most peoples' biggest fear is to have to speak in front of a large group of people. A pastor who is gifted to speak knows nothing of that fear. Give him a sermon and off he will go. He has something to say and he has to get it out or he just might blow up. He knows he is hearing from God and has confidence that God will help him deliver what it is He has told him to say. Some pastors are huggers. They would rather sit and counsel folks, make visits to homes and hospitals and just try and brighten some one's day. For the most part pastors come with one or the other gifts. I don't think it is possible to be able to do both. Those who like to hug generally have absolutely no fun preaching, and those who love to preach generally have a large visitation ministry headed by some lay people. It is all in the gifting God has put in us. The problem that sometimes happens with pastors is that if one is a preacher he gets in trouble because he doesn't have that tender heart some folks like. Pastors that hug tend to get a bad rap because they don't "feed" their flock well enough. Three words congregation--Big Boy Pants; put them on.

I don't know very many people who don't like music. I think most people would love to be able to play an instrument too. If you put a piano or drums in a room full of people it won't be too long before someone goes up and starts to play...even though they haven't a clue as to what they are doing; especially kids. But to really play you have to have the passion to learn. You need to not only learn how to play the instrument but a new language called music. And even though we don't ever learn to play an instrument we generally all enjoy listening to the sounds they make. And so though you may not have received the gift of making music you have been given the appreciation of those who can.

So you see, God uses His people in many different ways. It is important for you to find out what makes your heart break, makes your heart fly, or what makes your heart tired. Tired? Yes tired. If you are continually worn out in ministry, then it is time to change your ministry. God wants you to have a good time doing what you do for Him. Will you be sad sometimes? Sure. Causes that help hurting people are going to tug at your emotions. The difference is that you will find that to be an energizing emotion not a tiresome one. Pray about it. Be more aware of what is happening in your life and how you react to different events. And pray some more. God is building His body and He needs all body parts covered. Which part are you?