You are gifted. God has made you unique and given you a number of natural abilities and spiritual gifts “for the common good” (1 Cor. 12:7). There’s just one problem.
You feel you have much more to offer than your situation allows you to contribute. Am I right?
Honestly, I think most of us—all of us—find ourselves not utilized as much as we could be. In fact, the Bible shows 3 reasons your full potential isn’t being tapped.
(And why that’s a good thing.)
There are two types of gifts, and both need cultivation and development by continual use.
I’m not sure how helpful or necessary it is to separate the two categories of gifts. When we use these gifts in our lives, we feel fulfilled and life seems to hit its stride.
But sometimes we find ourselves in seasons when our gifts are not used as they could be.
In those moments, we need to remember these 3 truths.
As strange as it sounds at first, your gifts are not yours.
This perspective is a game-changer. It’s all about Him, not you or me.
I think of exceptionally gifted singers and stars and athletes who see their gift as their means of self-fulfillment. They wouldn’t feel “right” about not pursuing it with all their might.
As believers serving God, that mindset seems justified. What better way to express our gifts? But maybe God wants you to make a change. Or put your gift on the shelf for now. Or scale it way back.
How can you know when your passion for your gifts may have an unbalanced priority in your life? Here are some ideas:
If we keep faithfulness as our goal, it matters little how much our gifts are used. It’s about Him.
See yourself as God’s servant—period. If your identity is wrapped up in your giftedness as a teacher, an encourager, a giver, an exhorter, a leader, etc, you may miss God leading you to make a change in your life.
There are many ways to serve God with your gifts. You only know what you know. God knows what you don’t know. He may have a better plan.
When you think of who you are, refuse to think of your gifts or your position. Instead, see yourself as God’s servant.
In my next post, I’ll share more of what to do when you aren’t used to your full potential.
Learn the top 6 Lessons from Visiting the Holy Land more than 20 times in 21 years with Dr. Wayne Stiles, a longtime devotional scholar who is passionate about sharing the practical application of bringing God's Word to life.
Tell me what you think: Are you used to your full potential? To leave a comment, just click here.