Yesterday in that most slammin’ staff meeting ever, two things really hit home for me.
Br. Jim Rentz said, “Don’t try to operate in a gift you don’t have.” I get so frustrated when I look around and someone I work with is so good at something that I stink at. But when I sit back and meditate about it, I really think it must be so insulting to God to not appreciate what He has placed inside me. He has gifted me hugely in many areas… so what if I am not the best preacher, or the best counselor, or the most creative one? That’s not what God gave me…but that doesn’t make my gifts any less relevant. It’s a nice revelation.
The other thing was something Br. Dave Ohlerking said. I have such enormous respect for that man. He is truly a legend in missions work, especially in Africa. When Pastor Dino asked him what he wanted people to say about him when he’s gone, he simpled stated, “That he served Jesus.” Wow!! His number one concern in his entire life has just been to serve Him and that’s it. Convicting, much?
Check out a transcript of the entire meeting at danohlerking.com. It’s so worth the read.
wow meghan! this is so good and so true! in fact, pastor mike haman spoke to our elevate class last night about being sons and daughters of the house and one thing he said was that when we envy the gifts that other people have, we are basically saying that God made a mistake with us! How convicting. It takes many different gifts to accomplish God’s work, so we all have to learn to embrace the gifts He has put inside of us. Good stuff!