One-of-a-Kind You

     Before we continue to add more tools to our arsenal, I want to share a thought our Pastor gave us on Father’s Day. It is geared toward dads, but also appropriate for our study. He said something like this, “If someone wants to give you a formula for raising kids, cover your ears and run screaming from their presence.” With our varied backgrounds and environments, our genetics,  our personality types, our talents and gifts, each one so unique, it is no wonder there is no precise formula for life.

     As we gain insight into our own personality types and natural gifts over the next few days, add them to the gifts of the Spirit. Have you been inclined toward being a leader, an administrator, a behind-the-scenes helper, a teacher, one filled with knowledge of the Word of God, and how to use it to help others? Do you have the gift of hospitality or discernment, music or giving, evangelism or apostleship? I hope your interest has been piqued to continue on your quest.

     Another advantage to seeking the answers to how we are made and how God has gifted us, is an ability to accept others as they are. Our competitive, money hungry, youth-seeking world can leave us feeling as if we will never have or be enough.

     It is a beautiful thing to understand why my husband and I are on different ends of the spectrum as we view the world around us through the eyes of organization and logic vs. disorganization and scattered days. Our daughters are unique and talented and lovely and you know I could go on and on. One grew up cautious and quiet, the other extroverted and involved in everything. As we gain understanding on God’s gifting and creative design, we won’t expect others to be just like us. We can be intertwined and interdependent as we work together, appreciating the gifting of others.

     Tomorrow let’s take a peek at our personality types. I leave you today with this; as Paul leaves us in 1 Corinthians 12 after describing the gifts of the Spirit, he transitions us with this thought:

…And I will show you the most excellent way. 1 Corinthians 12:31b

     The most excellent way is the way of love. 1 Corinthians 13 is the great love chapter. Read it today if possible. Wherever you are in whatever you do or how you serve, do it in love. The love of Jesus changes everything. You are gifted to love.

Dear Lord,

Your love for us is beyond any earthly love. Teach us to love with patience and joy, with compassion and mercy, with kindness and gentleness, with goodness and faith. That kind of love can only come from You. We love You, Jesus,

Amen