by Elizabeth Anne

“Ye are bought with a price:
therefore glorify God in your body,
and in your spirit, which are God’s.”
{1 Corinthians 6:20}

Every year, we receive gifts from our parents. We also give gifts to our brothers and sisters. Suppose for a moment that you just gave your sister a doll that you made yourself. Do you think that you would feel very happy if your sister thanked you happily and ran off to play with it – or if she thanked you halfheartedly, and put it aside? Thanking someone else makes you and the other person feel so happy.

We enjoy our earthly gifts, and thank the giver for them. However, are we forgetting a very special gift, one that we often wish was different?

“As every man hath received the gift,
even so minister the same one to another,
as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”
{1 Peter 4:10}

The Lord has given every person a gift: unique talents. It could be painting, drawing, sewing, cooking, or gardening. We should be truly thankful for whatever talents the Lord has given us. It is so amazing to find out just how special our gifts are; everyone in our families will have different gifts. Remember that God has given you a very special gift, and you should not be jealous of anyone else’s gift.

Every day, you should thank God for your gift. You just can say simply, “Thank you God, for my gift and help me to use it wisely.” Thank God especially for helping you use the gift wisely by serving others with this gift for the glory of God. For example, if you have a talent of baking, then you could have a bake sale and earn money to buy Bibles for missionaries, or make cookies for the elderly in nursing homes. Use the gift of speech to build up your siblings and parents with edifying words and joyful song. If the Lord has given you the ability to paint, then create beautiful pieces of art that convey peace and comfort to the viewer. There are many ways to use your gifts for the glory of God. Remember, the Lord wants you to use your gift wisely, so ask Him to help you to use your gift righteously.

“Unto thee, O God, do we give thanks,
unto thee do we give thanks: for that thy name
is near thy wondrous works declare.”
{Psalms 75:1}

We should not forget a very special gift, a gift that is free, a gift that anyone can have. This great gift is Jesus, the Son of God, the Savior of this world. If He is your Lord and Savior, you must glorify His name with the gift He has given you. Honor Him through humble service.

“For God so loved the world,
that he gave his only begotten Son,
that whosoever believeth in him should not perish,
but have everlasting life.”
{John 3:16}

Today, thank Jesus that He loved you enough to come down and save you from your sins – then glorify Him daily by serving Him with your talents. God bless you as you serve Him.

~Elizabeth Anne (13)
{Guest Writer}