Spiritual gifts which don’t stop giving
By musicman |
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Posted 6:53 am on August 04, 2009
I recall a memorable day in my twenties. I heard a friend’s grandfather mention he always wanted to play the piano, but was in his ixties and was just too old. I explained it was only too late when they buried him. He told me I would understand when I became older.
I played music professionally throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s. After getting married, I gave it up. Five years ago I became a Christian, and was invited to play guitar and bass at my church. It led me to build a recording studio in my home, record a Christian album and start a record company.
I am now in my late forties. I have been indirectly told by “Christian” record companies I am too old to become a recording artist. I am beyond forty and considered too old to audition for “Gospel Dream” (the equivalent to American Idol for Christian musicians). No wonder people lose hope in their dreams as they become older.
You are never too old, and it is never too late to use your talents for God. I’ve organized a team of writers at my church to construct a Christian sitcom. I play at my local church each Sunday; perform as the guitarist and lead vocalist of the band Feels Like Faith. I am producing a radio show for my pastor and organizing Christian concerts. I don’t mention this to brag. My prayer is to offer hope for others to discover and use their gifts.
What defines the uniqueness of a church? I believe it is the usage of the gifts of its members. Underrating our potential can be detrimental to our service for Christ. We have been given gifts, which define who we are, and we are never too old or too young to use them in the name of Christ.
If you are a pastor, motivate everyone throughout your ministry to cultivate the parishioners. If you are a member, ask your pastor how you can get involved.
The parable of the talents is based on money. However, it is also applicable to gifts (Matthew 25:14-28). A buried gift is a useless gift. Share your gifts, and you will not only unveil and blossom your talents, but you will bless and reveal the gifts of others.
Gifts can be physical and/or spiritual.
The Apostle Paul addresses the presence of spiritual gifts: Romans 12:6-8, I Corinthians 12:1-31, and Ephesians 4:1-16. Peter also verifies their existence in I Peter 4:10. Through these sections of Scripture, we learn that all Christians have been given at least one spiritual gift. The purpose of spiritual gifts is twofold: To unify Christians in their faith and to produce growth within the church, numerically and spiritually. These gifts are to be used out of love for one another, and in service to one another.
God does not call the qualified… He qualifies the called!
Use your gifts and inspire others to do the same. A church that inspires others will grow according to the will of God!
Tags: Christian music, spiritual gifts
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