Read: Romans 12: 6-8

Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith;  if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching;  the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.

Reflect:

When I started in the pharmaceutical industry nearly thirty years ago I was hired by a man named Gary. As he tried to encourage his new hire, he reminded me that “80% of success is just showing up”. He wanted me to be engaged in my job and take ownership of “my” territory.

The challenge of being present

A few years ago, I attended a memorial service for some dear friends. Toward the end of the evening, the son shared some of his memories and challenged those in attendance in the area of simply “being present”.

He spoke of the commitment his father displayed by being present for his wife. The son gave up his career and moved home to take care of his parents. He was practicing what he had observed. He was being present.

He mentioned that in a world of Facebook and Twitter, Email and Blogs, people need others who can be engaged face to face.

Respond:

So, read the passage above again. While the list is not exhaustive, which area resonates with your abilities? Do you enjoy serving? Teaching? Encouraging others? Would others consider you to be generous? A leader?

We have a role to fill. He wants us to be engaged. Serving Christ is both a command and a privilege.