Romans 12:6: “We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith.”
God has entrusted to each person gifts that are unique to him or her. Even before our conception, God had a plan for us, and He has equipped us to walk in that plan. God doesn’t expect us to do something that we can’t do; but with God, all things are possible. God has given to us so that we can give back to Him.
Too often people try and use their gift their own way, or not at all. But to whom much is given, much will be required of them. If we don’t use what He’s given us, we will ultimately lose our focus and fall away from His will. God has made it possible for us to fulfill our purpose in Him; He has given us what we need. But how far are we willing to go? How much will we put our faith in Him and trust Him to guide us and direct us?
The more we trust God to work through our gifts, the more God will work through our gifts. Prophesying, serving, teaching, encouraging, giving, leading, and showing mercy are gifts Paul mentions in Romans 12. These are not talents but gifts, gifts that are given by God and can only be refined by God when we use them for His glory.
If we are not walking in His will, the gifts are meaningless and worthless, wasted by a lack of faith in God. No person is without purpose, and no person is without at least one gift to be used for God’s glory. We need to ask ourselves then, are we willing to lay it on the line? Are we willing to pay the price? Are we willing to live a pure life, follow God’s direction, and use our gifts in a way pleasing to Him?
—Mark