S126P3 – Yielded to Him: in effort
Rom. 12:6-8
We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
He was recruited for his passion, commitment and potential. He was not necessarily skilled as they needed, but he had the raw materials to be built into what would serve them well. His abilities were more in the mind than in the muscles, so they taught him how to intercept and decipher intelligence. This was a serious undertaking that took an investment of both time and money, which were scarce resources. Then, the unthinkable happened. The soldier they thought was so loyal and committed took the skills they had taught him and used them to reach his own ends. In the process, he would take up the enemy’s cause and simultaneously destroy himself.
We know that we have nothing on our own. We can look at the abilities or talents we had long before accepting Christ as our Savior, and we might think those are different than the gifts He clearly gives us after we become his. In actuality, there is no difference between the two. Whether we are talking about any of the enumerated spiritual gifts, or other physical or mental abilities, God gives them to us so that we will use them for him and his kingdom. Unfortunately, many will use their gifts for their own gain and even for the causes of darkness. Their pride in the talents they think come from themselves makes them decide that they are the masters of their use.
We have a duty to surrender our efforts to the Lord because it is only by his grace that we have any talent or ability at all. He has given us many gifts, but they are his gifts. Just like our finances and relationships, they are only on loan to us for his purposes. We are vessels of his power, and we must be very careful what we do with that power. Surrendering our effort to the Lord means that we operate in our giftings correctly and gladly. It is a joy to do for the Lord so that He is the focus and end of our work, which is really his work. Father, teach us what we do not know about surrendering our efforts and abilities to You and your kingdom.