A Variety of Gifts

We are reminded in 1 Corinthians 12 and in Romans 12 that God bestows upon each of us certain gifts. It would be easy to assume that the skills that we are able to learn are the same as the gifts God bestows upon us, but I really don't think that's what the scripture tells us. One can have a gift of knowledge about a particular area and never use it to the glory of God. Likewise, in 2 Corinthians 8, we are reminded that "he who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little,"and "their plenty will supply what you need."

Over the past few weeks, we have seen lots of people come through our ministry here in Mexico, and each possesses gifts that they have shared to the glory of God. Some have been nurses, doctors, engineers, musicians, teachers, counselors, athletes and students. They have shared whatever knowledge, skill, talent or insight they have to make a difference in the lives of those here in Chiapas. The sun-sensitive engineer wasn't much help on the worksite, but his stepson was a huge help. While his son poured cement, he researched construction engineering solutions to some of our problems with getting the roof on the clinic. The counselor worked hard on the worksite, but it was his gift of faithfulness and confidence in God's miracles that he so powerfully shared with the prisoners here that was incredible! Some of the nurses wouldn't have made a great difference mixing cement, but their knowledge and skill with some of the 3500 patients we saw in the 2 week medical clinic was far more meaningful. Teachers, whether by occupation or spiritual gift, provide the encouragement, instruction and group management that is essential when leading Vacation Bible School with hundreds of excited and enthusiastic children. Students may still be discovering their gifts, but as they so willingly try out different tasks, they demonstrate obedience and servanthood.

It is so easy to tell ones' self, "Oh, well, I really can't be much help on a mission trip because I have none of the skills they need." But in truth, each of God's children has gifts to share to the glory of God, and when we come together, "their plenty will supply what you need." Whether part of a group of 20+ or part of a group of 2 or 3, each person can bring their gifts to share to the glory of God. Together with the gifts of those here in Mexico, there will always be enough. Thanks be to God.