We all have gifts. We don’t all have the same gifts. I can sew, knit, crochet, bake, and write. And I can use those gifts to serve others. Or I can use those gifts simply for my own enjoyment.
“Each one of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10
If we all are using our gifts to serve others, it is like a paint by numbers coming to completion. But if, say, #3, #8, #16 and #18 don’t get painted, there are empty places in the beautiful picture. The picture ends up being confusing. Undone. Lacking. Anyone looking at it would likely be more drawn to the flaws than to the gorgeous shades and hues.
I don’t want to be a dry paintbrush next to an unopened container of paint. I want to be part of the beautiful picture of God’s grace and love being poured out on others.
There is a big world out there filled with believers. What sort of picture are we painting of God’s love for the world? Is it full of empty spots that are causing those who look at us as the Body of Christ to be lacking in love and help for the hurting? Or is it a grand masterpiece allowing people to see and experience Jesus through our hands, feet, mouths, and thoughts….. the very things we do?