Use Your Gifts, Help Save the World

“My parents were very, very poor, but they both had the gift of hospitality.” – Rick Warren.

Do you know what your gift is?  For the world’s sake it’s important that you figure it out.  Read on and I’ll help point you in the right direction.

What are my gifts?

Rick’s parents had very little money, but poverty didn’t stop them from giving as much as they could, whenever they could.  Rick’s dad grew more vegetables than the family needed so that he could give away the excess.  Rick estimates that his mom cooked over 1,000 meals in one year for friends and strangers.  Wow.  I’d say that the Warrens also had the gift of giving!

In Your Were Born With A Gift, Find It I told you why you’re unique, you were born with a gift, and when you use your gift you’ll be happier because it’s a part of who you are.

But here’s another important point:

Gifts are relational.

And they’re meant to shared with the world around you.

Take 5 minutes and think about what people ask you for.  In what circumstances do people seek your help?  What sorts of things do you do for others that give you a sense of purpose?

Take a look at the gifts below, do any resonate with you?

• Compassion:  Are you drawn to help people with emotional, physical or mental pain?
• Discernment:  Do you have a strong intuition, and are you known for smart decision making?
• Encouragement:  Do you comfort and strengthen others when they are upset or uncertain?
• Giving:  Do you generously share your time, money or resources with those in need?
• Hospitality:  Do you cheerfully welcome others so that they feel at home and comfortable?
• Knowledge:  Can you see how ideas relate to each other in ways that others don’t easily understand?
• Leadership:  Can you motivate and lead others to rally behind a shared vision?
• Service:  Do you happily help others when there is no stated reward or public recognition?
• Teaching:  Are you passionate about sharing knowledge to help others grow?
• Wisdom:  Do others seek your counsel when they’re in difficult situations?

Your gifts are meant for the world!

Here’s the thing, you have a special gift that can make the world a better place, and your life will have more meaning when you put your gift to use.

“In this way we are like the various parts of a human body.  Each part gets its meaning from the body as a whole, not the other way around.”  Rom 12:3 MSG

Think about the world as a human body, with each of us forming a part of the body.  The Leader is the eyes, he has a vision for building an orphanage in South America.  The Compassionate doctor is the heart, she’s providing healthcare to the orphans.  The Giver is the hand, she’s made a financial donation to supply life giving meals.  The Server is the arm, he’s pounding nails and sawing wood to build the school.  The Teacher is the tongue, she’s teaching young girls how to read and write so their lives can be changed.

When we all exercise our gifts the world becomes a better place to live.  If we aren’t using our gifts, things in this world just aren’t getting done.  It’s no wonder the world is falling apart, certain parts of the body aren’t doing their job!

Be Wise and Successful…

1. You have a gift(s).  You have one gift that usually stands-out, and a couple supporting gifts.  Since gifts are relational, think about those situations when you relate best to other people.

2. Partner with others to use your gifts.  Leverage your gifts with the gifts of others at work, at home, in friendship and in everything you’re involved with.  As a working body, we can be much more impactful than any one part.

3. Find your gifts.

• Spend quiet time with the list above.  What comes naturally?  What do you enjoy doing?  Where are you the most effective?
• Ask five close friends this question, “If you need help or need something, when would you come to me?”  Compare the responses to the list above.
• Volunteer in different ways and notice how you’re drawn to help other people.  This will provide clues to your gifts.

4. Come back!  Have you ever been “in the flow” or “in the groove”?  Don’t miss the next post when I tell you how to get in the groove by using your gifts.