Years ago we had a young lady in our youth group that had an uncanny ability to lead. No matter what random idea/plan she came up with, people would follow. It was the first time that I remember realizing that we all truly have God-given gifts. She had no one at home to cultivate her leadership abilities, so what she had truly came naturally.
Just as she had no one at home to help her cultivate that ability, she also had no one to teach her to use her power for good. This young lady was B-A-D. Like push beds in front of the doors to prevent her from sneaking out and making a church camp baby bad. She had a following of young ladies willing to help her achieve her shenanigans and blindly following her lead.
At that point in my life I was too naive to realize how bad some of those kids had it at home. My patience for her was slim because I was young and dumb and life had not humbled me yet. Today, I look back on that time with mixed emotions. I laugh because she wreaked havoc on us sponsors, but I am also sad that I was so stupid and short-tempered with someone who needed extra love.
Now, twenty years later, we have a similar kid in the youth program in which we serve. I watch him act out and disrupt worship time and every person around him follows. Now when I see this happen I am in awe of the gift the Lord has given him and am excited to watch him mature. It still gets under my skin and I still correct him, but I also tell him I love him every time I see him. He never says it back and I truly think he hates to see me coming, but I never miss an opportunity to speak.
So what changed? Me. I am what changed. Middle schoolers are still awkward and hard to be around. High schoolers still think they are grown and don’t need advice. But life (marriage, motherhood, mistakes, heartbreak) has taught me to see people in a more compassionate light.
When I look at that young man at church I know that he has potential far beyond what I can imagine. He may act like an absolute turd every week, but he has a purpose and simply needs love and guidance (and Jesus) to help teach him. I know that I will not be the reason he chooses to do right, but my presence in his life will not discourage him from growing.
We each have natural abilities and gifts that are engrained in us by our creator. And we are all called to use our gifts. Not to just use them, but to specifically use them to His glory (1 Peter 4:10). That detail truly matters. I don’t know what your gift/gifts are, but I know that you have them.
One of my gifts is relationship building. Now remember, I am mediocre in most ways, but when I am intentional in my efforts I can build relationships with just about anyone. This is certainly not a sexy gift. I wish I could be a model for Jesus or play guitar for Jesus, but apparently you don’t get a choice. So instead of playing acoustic guitar surrounded by haze (freaking awesome) I am making a concerted effort to learn about people and speak truth and love into their lives.
I challenge you to reflect on what comes naturally to you. Most of us aren’t good at seeing the good in ourselves, or if you are like me, you are too worried that it will be bragging to recognize you have a God-given talent. But it isn’t bragging if you can acknowledge that you are good at this thing because God allowed you to be. So take some time to reflect on your gift. Then, honestly consider if you are using your gift for His glory.
If you aren’t, consider how you can make small steps in that direction. Remember that while the gift may be natural, how you use it will require intentionality. I will intentionally use my gifts to encourage that young man to use his powers for good. How will you use your gifts this week?
Life Lessons with Lindsay 