Q: I know I’m supposed to serve God, but I don’t have lots of money to give away or any special talents or things like that. I guess people like me aren’t much use to God, although I’d like to be.
A: Nothing could be further from the truth! God uses all kinds of people to get His work done, most of whom will never make the headlines or receive public acclaim. Paul commended the Christians in Corinth for their faith, although “Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth” (1 Corinthians 1:26).
In other words, it’s a mistake to think that the only people God uses are preachers or Bible teachers or those who’ve been called to some type of public ministry. God can use you right where you are, and He has already given you the gifts and abilities you need to fulfill those responsibilities. Are you a parent? Ask God to help you raise your children wisely and teach them about God and His love for them. Are you working? Ask God to help you share Christ’s love with others through your good work and your smile and your cheerful attitude (even when things go wrong).
In addition, ask God to show you what specific spiritual gift He has given you. It may be the gift of hospitality; it may be the gift of compassion or help for those in need; it may be some other gift you don’t even realize you have. The Bible says, “When he ascended on high, he … gave gifts to his people” (Ephesians 4:8).
The real question is this: Are you committed to Jesus Christ, and do you honestly want to serve Him? Don’t worry about the gifts you don’t have, but ask God to use you right where you are — and He will.
Learn more about spiritual gifts by reading 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, 27-31 and Romans 12:3-8.
