All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines. (1 Cor. 12:11)
I wasted a fair amount of time and energy wishing I could speak like a friend of mine. He was exciting to listen to—animated and verbally light on his feet. But one time, he began a service by saying that he had always wanted to speak like me, so he tried to prepare and to deliver his message like I would. Now, I would never say he was bad, but he should have stayed with his own way of speaking. Both of us had misguided and unproductive desires to be what we were not. Each of us is wired the way God made us, and we have gifts he has chosen to give to us.
We should discover and develop our gifts so we can do our best. In doing that, we may want to find the best models and mentors who can help us become our best. But the gifts of others should be used for inspiration and instruction, not for imitation. Many should have the heart and spirit of Billy Graham, but Billy Graham imitators are less than pleasing or effective.
God didn’t overlook you when he handed out gifts. He had you in mind when he gifted you. What you have, he gave you. Accept it. Accept who you are. Accept what you can do. Don’t waste time trying to be someone else.
Give all that you are as your gift to God.
Ken Heer was an ordained minister with The Wesleyan Church prior to his death. He served as a pastor, educator, and church leader for more than fifty years.
© 2022 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
