So, in my dream, which I cannot remember how it started, who was there or why, etc there was this sweater. The sweater was used as an analogy for spiritual gifts and how when we become a Christian we receive

I woke up in sort of a "huh" state of mind thinking what did I eat before I went to bed and why was I thinking about that?? I'm not on drugs...just prenatals and folic acid! I got to thinking about it and thought through the analogy a bit more (which if you know me you know that I LIVE in analogy-land where everything can be explained with a story or word picture!). It seems pretty accurate. How many things are useful if they are never used? In order for a book to "work" you have to open it. For a new appliance to work you have to open it and plug it in. In order for a gift to be more than a fancy wrapped box you have to open it and USE it. How many Christians actually use their gift? For that matter how many Christians have ever opened their gift and "put it on?" Sadly, I don't think many people have.
I recently led a Ladies Bible study where we talked about spiritual gifts one week. Most of the ladies in this group have been saved longer than I have been alive! Most of them looked at me blankly when I asked them if they knew what their spiritual gift was. One answered in a way that it sounded like she picked the gift that she liked as opposed to the one that she truly was given. Another lady mentioned that she was afraid for others to know her gift for fear that they would line up outside of her door and drain her of all of her energy and time. Out of the 8 or so ladies there that was it. Only 2 said anything. It may be a generational thing or maybe they were taught that it was rude to talk about spiritual gifts or maybe it was me...I just don't know. But if this is a sampling of how Christianity views and uses their gifts it is no wonder why we aren't a healthier more functioning body! I was happy when I found out what my gift was especially when it has been confirmed by others who know me , scripture and opportunities to use it to serve.
I pray that Christians will start opening their gifts (AND SOON) and put on their party cardis as Old Navy says!

1 comment:
Heidi, thanks for sharing your dream. I think it makes sense. We really are partners with God in ministering to people. We aren't robots, so while we have different gifts as Christians, we still have to take some action. If you have the gift of teaching, you still have to 'open your mouth' and teach. The gift of hospitality takes action as well. Sometimes I think we hesitate to state our gift because we don't want to sound too superspiritual. I think it's better to use our gift than to just talk about it. However, if we do talk about it in a Bible study setting, I think it would be encouraging to others to use theirs. I don't think there are any 'spectators' in God's army. We are all to be "living sacrifices," in one area or another.
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