Point to Ponder: Find the intersection of God’s will and your gifts
Verse to Remember: “Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out.” — Hebrews 10:24 (Msg.)
Question to Consider: How can you use your abilities to serve God by helping others?
[Read More] thoughts on Day 33 of Rick Warren’s 40 Days of Community.

Even though today’s discussion appeared to focus on the idea of gifts for use in ministry, I think the implications are much broader. Or, to put it another way, I think the idea of ‘gifts’ and ‘ministry’ applies to all our interactions with people — home, work, friends — not just church activity. In fact, my personal belief (inspired by George Gilder) is that all economic activity starts with gift-giving:

* The best human act
is the conscious moral choice
to use my resources
to create value for others

Of course, that in itself plays on the dual meaning of gift: something we have, as well as something we give away. Actually, the term implies something even stronger: that everything we have and are is a gift given to us for a purpose, or rather multiple purposes. The challenge is to find out which aspect of our gifting God is calling us to exercise during any given moment or season.

I usually think of ministry as the intersection between our capabilities, other’s needs, and God’s purposes — though I like Rick’s formulation too. To be sure, sometimes our own needs are a factor: especially that of our families, which can be strongly impacted by the time and energy we spend ministering to those outside. Which, ultimately, is why it comes back to seeking God’s will: only by following His ways can we truly bless others as ourselves. Or, to put it another way, can we really find fulfillment and happiness.

Prayer: God, I thank you for the many gifts you’ve given me, and the privilege of finding joy in using them to bless others. Thank you for the opportunities just this week to cook, counsel, and play guitar for others. I pray you’d sharpen my ears to hear Your voice, and focus my eyes on the needs of others around me, that I may discover new areas of intersection, growth, and fulfillment. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.