In Touch - Sept. 10, 2007

In Touch Daily Devotional
by Dr. Charles Stanley

            We are born with certain innate abilities. The natural talents each person has been given depend on what the Lord plans to accomplish in and through that life. When an individual is “born again” and becomes a member of God’s family, the Holy Spirit then endows the new believer with one or more spiritual gifts.

            As Christians, we’re called to act as the Lord’s servant-stewards. He bestows specific abilities so we can carry out His good work both locally and throughout the world. Our responsibility is to evaluate how we’ve been gifted and to prayerfully discern where our efforts will be most helpful. Scripture lists a wide range of ministries through which to minister effectively (1 Corinthians 12:5-7). Much of our work will take place outside the church building and may not even look like “Christian service,” but every God-directed use of our talents serves Him.

            We’re free to use God’s gifts in any way we choose; yet, we should take seriously Jesus’ warning in the parable about a man who gave money to three servants. Two invested their sums wisely and gained more, but the third did nothing with his share. When the servants gave an account, their master was pleased with the first two but angry with the one who wasted the gift (Matthew 25:14-30).

            Someday every saint will account for how he or she used the gifts and talents given by the Master (Romans 14:12). Do you wish to please the Lord? Then identify your strengths, and make every effort to use them for Him.

FEATURED RESOURCE

The Life Principles Bible

This Bible combines the wisdom of Scripture with the principles that guide Dr. Stanley's life and empower his ministry. Order your copy.

To see more resources from In Touch Ministries, please visit us at www.intouch.org or go directly to our bookstore at In Touch Ministries.