Ten Key Moves – Do Not Neglect Your Gift

This morning, I read 1 Timothy 4.  I was really struck by vs. 14 where Paul writes to Timothy not to neglect his spiritual gift.  I have more that I want to write on chapter 4, but it reminded me of one of my ”Ten Key Moves”, so I will write on that first.  The Key Move is written, “I will compile and evaluate what I have learned from the personality tests, aptitude tests, spiritual gift tests, etc…that I have taken, so I will know how God has made me and what my gifts are.  Then, I will seek to strengthen these areas and use what God has given me to serve Him and help others.”  Robert Lewis said that one of the work energizers is to have the right personal assessment.  In other words, we should know ourselves.  He also said that 80% of men say that are in a job that is not the right fit!  If we will take the time to know who we are and how we are created, and explore careers, ministries, hobbies, etc… that fit our ”bent” we will be energized beyond belief.  When I was working in the meat industry, I had a longing to be in the ministry.  I actually took a class sponsored by our company, where we took a Myers-Briggs Personality Test.  Basically, it confirmed what I was sensing.  I was not in a career that fit.  Yes, I was doing well and the money was good, but it was zapping my energy.  I did not enjoy it.  The test told me that a career in teaching, serving, or helping people would be a better fit.  Then, God orchestrated it perfectly for me to be able to enter the ministry.  Now, I’m trying to tweek it even more because there are so many facets of ministry.  I want to be serving and using my gifts in ministry in such a way that God is glorified and that I make the most impact for the Kingdom.  Wouldn’t it be great, to help our high school students work through this before they go off to college!?  A lot of wasted time, energy, and heartache would be spared.  Anyway, no matter the age, there are a great number of resources to help a person do this.  I know too many people who are stuck in a “job,” and they are biding their time until retirement or the next thing comes along.  This is sad, and is not the way God wants us to live.  A long time ago, when I was having a hard time finding purpose and contentment in my career, God gave me this verse:  Colossians 3:23 - ”Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men…”  Wherever we are, we need to be working as if working for the Lord.  This becomes a whole lot easier when we know ourselves and are doing something that fits our personality, gifts, and abilities.  This goes for our work and for our volunteer service.  So, I encourage you to dig in and learn who you really are and what makes you tick.  May God bless you as you explore and discover your unique design!