Disciples Path: Week 4: Day 3 – Oh How You Shine!

Romans 12:4-8, The Message

In this way we are like the various parts of a human body. Each part gets its meaning from the body as a whole, not the other way around. The body we’re talking about is Christ’s body of chosen people. Each of us finds our meaning and function as a part of his body. But as a chopped-off finger or cut-off toe we wouldn’t amount to much, would we? So since we find ourselves fashioned into all these excellently formed and marvelously functioning parts in Christ’s body, let’s just go ahead and be what we were made to be, without enviously or pridefully comparing ourselves with each other, or trying to be something we aren’t.

If you preach, just preach God’s Message, nothing else; if you help, just help, don’t take over; if you teach, stick to your teaching; if you give encouraging guidance, be careful that you don’t get bossy; if you’re put in charge, don’t manipulate; if you’re called to give aid to people in distress, keep your eyes open and be quick to respond; if you work with the disadvantaged, don’t let yourself get irritated with them or depressed by them. Keep a smile on your face.  

                I don’t know about you, but I really enjoy watching someone do something at which they excel.  A magician doing slick card tricks, a pitcher throwing a nasty curveball, or even the old-fashioned shoe shiners you used to see in the airport – it could be anything really.  It is thrilling to watch people do things with confidence and flair that many others cannot.  Giftedness attracts attention. 

                The message today is that we all have giftedness that, when developed, attract attention.  One of the tasks of each human being to is to discover that giftedness, develop it, and let it shine.  Not in a show-offy kind of way – just doing something for the beauty and joy of doing it well.  It may surprise you to hear that God wants us to shine.  For when we shine, our giftedness shines not only for us, but for the One who made us. 

I think of Antonio Stradavari, a craftsman of exquisite musical instruments.  He lived and worked in the 17^th and 18^th centuries, but especially the violins he made continue to glorify his craftsmanship.  One of them sold for 11.8 million dollars earlier this year and all the experts said the buyer got a bargain.  Others have sold in the past for much more.  The creations still glorify the creator hundreds of years later.  Even more than that, connoisseurs of violins often say that Antonio’s craftsmanship HAD to be divinely inspired. Again, the created glorifies the Creator. 

While most of our gifts don’t attract the same kind of attention that an authentic Stadivari creation does, our giftedness is meant to shine.  Who are your favorite teachers? Cooks? Encouragers? Who are the helpers that show up whenever there is a need?  Who are the leaders that you would follow anywhere?  Who are the people whose merciful care for others is inspiring to you?  Their giftedness shines am I right?

Question:  What about you? What have others noticed that you do well?  What is your giftedness that points to your Creator?

Song:  Eric Liddell, the subject of the movie, Chariots of Fire, is often quoted as saying, “When I run feel God’s pleasure.”  This is the essence of the giftedness God has place in each of us. 

Vangelis – Chariots of Fire