Making What You Know… Known

Posted on August 22, 2011 by Carl Simmons

Read the sentence below, repeatedly.  In fact, each time, emphasize a different word in the sentence  until you’ve tried all six versions. Ready? Go:

“I didn’t say you were ugly.”

What different meanings did you get out of this one sentence?

Likewise, what causes your words to get misinterpreted? What helps people “get” what you’re saying? How do you respond when others misunderstand what you say? How does your response change when it involves others close to you?

We all want to be understood. The fact is, if we ever want to accomplish anything together, we need to be understood. But sometimes our words and our actions get misinterpreted. And sometimes we really haven’t fully communicated what’s in our heads and hearts, even when we think we have. Just because we’ve played something back in our own heads dozens of times, it doesn’t always mean the person standing in front of us has grasped, or even heard, it once.

So let’s examine what good communication looks like, and how we can do it better. Let’s start with a couple examples of leaders communicating to their co-workers in the faith, and then break them down a little more.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.

We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters,about the troubles we experienced in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.

Now this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, with integrity and godly sincerity. We have done so, relying not on worldly wisdom but on God’s grace. For we do not write you anything you cannot read or understand. And I hope that, as you have understood us in part, you will come to understand fully that you can boast of us just as we will boast of you in the day of the Lord Jesus (2 Corinthians 1:3-14, NIV).

• What are some things Paul’s communicating to the Corinthian church here?
• What doesn’t he express here that he clearly could have, and why do you think he doesn’t?
• How did knowing it was God’s message affect what Paul was saying?
• How would our own speech change if we were more conscious about representing God?

I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.  Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.  You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you (John 15:11-15).

• What things do we enjoy telling our friends? Why don’t we share those things as much with other people?
• If we’re all Jesus’ friends, what keeps us from sharing with other Christians—Jesus’ other friends—what Jesus has shared with us?

Shane Claiborne, in his book The Irresistible Revolution, observes: “People are drawn toward folks who have it all together, or who look like they do. People are also drawn toward folks who know they don’t have it all together and are not willing to fake it.” So which one do you tend to fall under, and why? A few more questions to consider:

• In what ways does fear stop us from communicating with others—even (or maybe especially) other Christians—who need to know what we’re not sharing? How do we show a lack of love when we hold back?
• What things do we often do instead of communicating openly?
• When should we hold back information or feelings, even when it involves something important?
• What situation are you facing right now that requires you to get out of your comfort zone—say it: past your fear—and communicate with someone more openly and directly?

Be open with God, about what you’re facing right now—and honestly listen for His instruction about what your next steps might be. Ask God to open  you up, and to open up the lines of communication with those you’re struggling to get through to right now. And may God bless you as you obey His voice and use your own.

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Lay Down Your Agenda — some opening fragments

Posted on August 19, 2011 by Carl Simmons

We want to do the right thing, but very often we don’t know what the right thing is. Oddly enough, this is often when prayer is most effective. There are times where God gives us the confidence to pray for something, knowing it’s in His will, but usually our most effective prayers come when we’re empty. When we have no agenda except, “Not my will, but Thine.”

This doesn’t mean we have to sit around passively and be willing, waiting for God to move us. We can move around and be willing. We can do the things we had planned, but holding onto them loosely, with the attitude that should the Spirit leads elsewhere, that’s where we should go.

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Whatever it is I do for Jesus, He is already there. I’m the one who’s showing up—and who’s arguably late for the party—not Him.

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We want a stake in the ground, a fixed point, because it’s easier than following wherever the Spirit leads. To follow is to lay down your control.

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Let’s Welcome a New Voice….

Posted on August 17, 2011 by Carl Simmons

You’ll notice a new member of our blog roll today… and if not, I’m here to make you notice. 🙂

Justin Morrisroe—whose blog Between 2 Trees… now graces our rolls—is a youth director/minister out of Tampa, who comes from ridiculously good stock (no, not mine—but I’m sure I would’ve guessed that too if I’d been you).

He’s also brand-new to this blogging thing. So check him out. Enjoy his writings. Embrace him as a brother—if only because the Bible says you have to. Encourage him to express himself further, ’cause after all that’s what I’m doing here.

And we’ll pick it up—and Lay It all Down again—come Friday….

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Temper, Temper

Posted on August 17, 2011 by Carl Simmons

Even if you’re not into “chick flicks” (present company included), there’s a great scene in the movie Fried Green Tomatoes  that sets today’s message up perfectly. Watch here, have a good laugh, then let’s get down to business:

• What irritates you to no end (even if it’s not a big deal to anyone else)?
• How do you normally react when you’re irritated? How long do you hold onto your reactions afterward?
• Now that we’ve discussed things that irritate us, let’s take things up a notch: What’s the one circumstance or behavior that truly angers you the most? How do you react?
• Why do you think that particular circumstance or behavior sets you off?

We all have our hot buttons—things that annoy, upset or anger us. They might be trivial, or they might be so serious that we feel justified in our anger and maybe even in the things we say and do as a result. The Bible has a lot to say about our anger and our reactions to it. It points us to the deeper causes of our anger, and it tells us how anger affects not only us but those around us. Anger usually isn’t pretty, but it’s something we all need to address. So let’s begin.

We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.

When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.

All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.

With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water (James 3:2-12, NIV).

• What are some ways the tongue is described here? Which description resonates with you the most, and why?
• What are some ways we leave a bitter taste in the mouths of others by the “salty” things we say to them, or by our reactions to them?

Let’s look at another quote, from a decidedly different but nonetheless authoritative source in its own way:

“ar·ro·gant: exaggerating or disposed to exaggerate one’s own worth or importance often by an overbearing manner”—Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary

• What’s the connection between being arrogant and being quick-tempered? When have you seen this connection in your own life?
• You may not let loose on others or be overbearing; then again, you might. In any case, what are some ways your temper—and arrogance—do come through?

And with that, let’s circle back to James:

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.  Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness (James 3:13-18, NIV)

• What reasons are given in this passage for the negative or hurtful things that come out of our mouths? What are some others you can think of?
• Think about those times you feel “squeezed” or “wrung out.” What “dirt” tends to come out of you that you wish you could take back?
• What alternatives to anger and speaking badly about others does James give us here? How would you do each of these things?
• What things can we put into ourselves—instead of dirt—that would help us to respond better under pressure or stress?

Let’s consider one more passage today:

“In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God (Ephesians 4:26–5:2, NIV).

• Think about a time when anger controlled your relationship with someone else, and gave “a foothold to the devil.” How did you finally get past it—or did you? Explain.
• How would you like to see God change your communication so it becomes more “good and helpful”—so it builds people up rather than tearing them down?

Here’re some ideas to consider as you allow God to deal with your anger:

• Read and pray over this week’s Scriptures. Ask God to reveal how you’ve let bad attitudes come through in your words and actions. Then ask God for forgiveness and direction. What good words and actions can you substitute so you can respond with grace when “squeezed”? How can you build others up instead of tearing them down?

• If you’ve hurt others with your words—or others have hurt you with theirs—seek them out and set things right this week. Be sure to prepare your heart beforehand. Consider whether you need help seeing the other side of the argument and/or creative solutions to the problem. Do you need to own up to a part of the disagreement and receive forgiveness as well? Pray about these things as you prepare to meet.

• Do you know someone who’s “taken a beating” from others recently? Seek that person out this week, and encourage him or her. Set aside time to listen and possibly field some of the hurt and anger they’ve been feeling. And if that happens, don’t react—pray. Invite God into the situation.

• Get formal training to be a peacemaker in your church, workplace, or neighborhood. Perhaps your church, your job, or another organization in the area offers this kind of training. One such organization is Peacemaker Ministries (HisPeace.org). You may know others. In any case, make it happen!

• Is there a divisive situation in your town, neighborhood, or church right now? As a group, plan an event that will help people on both sides to look past their differences and focus on their commonalities. It could be as uncomplicated as a block party or something formal that gets both sides to sit down and talk through their differences.

Good luck, and may God give you the ability to show grace to those people and situations that push your buttons.

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Getting Healthy Together

Posted on August 15, 2011 by Carl Simmons

Last week we explored how we’re all members of the body of Christ, and that we all have our parts to play within it. Let’s take one more look at that idea before moving forward today.

Think about a time your physical body wasn’t healthy—for example, you had a major illness, or you broke a bone (or several). What “normal” things couldn’t you do during that time, or do without someone’s help? How did your illness/injury affect others and their “normal” routines?

Now, let’s kick it spiritually:

“On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.  Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it” (1 Corinthians 12:22-27, NIV).

• When have you seen a church or ministry rally around and “pick up” someone who was hurting—physically or any other way?

• How did that experience affect that person? your church/ministry? you?

So far, we’ve talked about leadership in broader terms—that is, not only church but other venues where we lead or are led. Now, let’s sharpen our focus and explore what a healthy ministry looks like, and how the ministries you’re in can function. Maybe you’re leading a ministry right now, maybe not, but let’s go on the assumption you’re involved somewhere right now. Wherever and however you’re involved, you want your team and your ministry to be healthy and working together. When that happens, the effects can reach far beyond your team and your ministry.

Conversely, when one part of your team suffers or isn’t functioning correctly, everyone’s affected. But God can use that to do something even more powerful. We’re never in this alone, and no matter how much responsibility does or doesn’t fall to us, we can always play a part in helping others on our team get stronger—or to help them until they get stronger.

Think about these questions (and if you like, refer to passages like 2 Corinthians 6:3-13, Ephesians 4:14-16, Philippians 1:29–2:18, and Colossians 3:12-17):

• What does it take to serve alongside others—particularly, other Christians? What does it look like, in practice?
• What comes easiest to you? hardest? Why?
• Putting all this together, what does a healthy ministry or team look like? Try to come up with a concise one- or two-sentence answer.

In his book The Crucifixion of Ministry, Andrew Purves states, “The test case for ministry is that Jesus present by His Spirit shows up and does something only God can do…. The danger for us and especially for our parishioners comes when we insist on displacing the ministry of Jesus with our own ministries. When that happens, our ministries must be crucified.”

That’s a tall order, and a true one. So here’s a couple more questions to chew on:

• What’s the connection between trusting God and trusting those you serve God with?
• How can you make those connections even stronger in the days to come?

Think about this idea next time your ministry gathers together, and do with it what you will: Re-read Colossians 3:16, and worship together, with or without instruments. Whatever kind of worship music fits your group, join together and sing it. Build up one another’s spirits with your voices.

When you’re done, thank God again for the people he’s put you with—both here and elsewhere. Pray for the ministries you’re all currently involved in, and ask God to give each of you the wisdom to see how you can help make the ministries and the teams you’re serving God with even stronger. And may God answer your prayers beyond what you can conceive.

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fragments of Lay Down Your Gifts

Posted on August 12, 2011 by Carl Simmons

There will likely come a time where we will have to lay down our very calling before Jesus—it will likely be because our identities have become so wrapped up in what we’ve been called to do by Jesus that our identities are really no longer in Jesus.

For that matter, it’s very easy to fall in love with the idea of “I’m called to do this particular thing.” It’s much easier to get excited about something new and unique than it is to get excited about doing what everyone else is doing. And yet, every day God calls us to many seemingly mundane acts of obedience that are no less important—and might well in fact be more important.

Doing God’s will and living in God’s will are not the same thing. One is obeying a very specific directive from God; the other is God giving us the freedom to live creativity within His broader will. Both please Him.

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As important as it is for us to use the gifts God’s given us, it’s more important to develop the fruit of the Spirit—those qualities that grow from our new life within.

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Jesus’ ministry was literally crucified. Why should we dare to think that we would be exempt?

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The seventy-two certainly had something to rejoice in when they used the gifts they had received: “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name”  (Luke 10:17). We tend to read Jesus’ response, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven” (v. 18) as something that happened at that very moment. I’m not so sure.

What if Jesus really meant this: ”I was there when Satan fell. I was there when he became so full of pride about what God had given him that he exalted himself above God. Be careful the same doesn’t happen to you.” It certainly would explain what Jesus’ says next: “Nevertheless, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you”—because after all, you’re not the first one to have cherished that, and it’s not good company you’re keeping—“ but rejoice that your names stand written  in heaven” (v. 19).

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How to Lead Without Being the Boss

Posted on August 10, 2011 by Carl Simmons

We know a gifted leader when we see one. We recognize that God has given that person certain abilities or character traits that make him or her the obvious (or at least easiest) choice to lead others. What we may miss, though, is that God has given us all leadership qualities and abilities, and has placed each of us where we can set the tone for those around us.

This isn’t meant to dismiss obvious gifts of leadership. But let’s expand our vision to realize that each of us, at some point, will be given the opportunity to set an example for others. We do this as spouses and parents, as we’ve seen the past couple Wednesdays, but this week we’re going to see how God might want to use each one of us to lead—or maybe how he’s already using us, without our even realizing it.

And whether you’ll groan or get excited all over again, nothing says “illustrative movie clip” like the Lord of the Rings trilogy. This scene’s from The Fellowship of the Ring—specifically, the scene at the council of Elrond. (If you’re in a hurry, you can just view from around 3:15-6:15.) When you’re done, reflect:

• What motivated Frodo to act? How did it differ from what motivated the other leaders?
• How did Frodo’s willingness make him a leader, despite his stature (in more ways than one)?
• When have you said, “I do not know the way,” but were willing to do what it took to get something done? How did others respond initially? later on?

The late John Stott said this: “The authority by which the Christian leader leads is not power but love, not force but example, not coercion but reasoned persuasion. Leaders have power, but power is safe only in the hands of those who humble themselves to serve.” And a much earlier saint said this:

For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it, for they themselves report what kind of reception you gave us. They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God (1 Thessalonians 1:4-9).

• How do you see leadership by example here? What things are “imitated” or passed on?
• What good results do you see from these churches “imitating both us and the Lord”?
• What are some ways we model, and help to “reproduce,” Jesus in others?
• Who models Jesus to you? What’s one thing you’ve learned about Jesus from them?
• What’s one thing God has shown you that you wish everyone else could see as clearly? How might God use you to be the one to help others to see or even imitate it?

To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,

   “God opposes the proud
   but shows favor to the humble.”

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you (1 Peter 5:1-7, NIV).

• Who’s your “flock” right now? In other words: Who has God put in your care or your sphere of influence—regardless of the official authority you have (or don’t have) over them? (And for our purposes, a flock can be one person.)
• Where else do you think God might be calling you to be more of a leader, whether it’s by example or in a more official role? What do you feel you need in order to take the next step?

While reading this, you may have thought of someone you’re leading right now, if only by example. Think of a practical way to put your words and actions together this week. Make it evident to this person that you’re not only leading; you’re also following the greatest Leader of all. God knows what He’s doing by putting you where you are. Ask Himto reveal how he wants to use you where he’s put you, and for the strength to walk that out.

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Locating the Body

Posted on August 8, 2011 by Carl Simmons

One tricky thing about leadership is… well, somebody has to be the leader. At the same time, you’re still a member of the team you’re leading. You don’t get to completely separate the two. And it can be difficult to balance your responsibility to “get the job done” with the responsibilities you have to the people you’re working alongside, to help them develop as unique people with unique gifts.

But the good news is: Again, these aren’t two completely separate things. The people God’s given you to work alongside are the same people God wants to use to fulfill his purposes—to complete that bigger picture you’re responsible for. It’s not just your job. So let’s get a better understanding of how God wants to guide and lead those he’s put you with, and how all of you can serve God and each other better.

Andrew Purves, in his book The Crucifixion of Ministry, says, “Wherever Christ is and wherever we are joined to him, there truly is the intentional disciplined and faithful ministry of the church. It is not our ministries that make Christ present; it is the present, living Christ who makes our ministries possible.”

The Bible tells us that we’re all part of the body of Christ. Let’s see what the body looks like on a smaller level—with those teams, those “little bodies,” most of us deal with every day. And let’s not restrict ourselves to only ministry situations, but apply this idea to any teams God might have us in charge of.

For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord (Romans 12:3-11, NIV).

But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body.

The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other.  If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.

Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it (1 Corinthians 12:18-27, NIV).

• What attitudes, good or bad, can we take toward our roles or abilities, according to these passages?
• Which of these attitudes do you struggle with most? Why?
• What would “measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us” (Rom. 12:3) look like in your own life? How would it change the way you measure yourself and others you work with?
• Honestly: What can make it difficult for you to believe that “God has put each part just where he wants it” (1 Cor. 12:18)?

Let’s take a different look at it, via this scene from Apollo 13. As you might recall, astronauts Jim Lovell, Fred Haise, and Jack Swigert “have a problem”—several, in fact. Their scheduled landing on the moon has been scrapped; no-one’s sure they’ll make it back alive; and we’ve just learned that they’re slowly being poisoned by the heightened levels of carbon dioxide they’re breathing. Enter Houston’s ground crew (and watch here).

• When has a group or team you’ve been involved with had to deal with putting a “square peg in a round hole… rapidly”?
• How did you respond—“We gotta come through… get some coffee going,” “We can’t do it,” or some other way?
• On the other hand, when have you seen of “plenty of talent in the room” but no teamwork? What happened then? What could have happened if everyone had worked together?
• How do our attitudes affect how well we perform, both together and as individuals?

So let’s bring this a little closer now:

• Who has a “special gift” that corresponds with your special “fault”—that is, who’s strong in an area you’re weaker in? Do you normally seek that person’s help or run the other way? Why?
• Think again about the teams you’re already on. Who on those teams have gifts that complement one another—even if they don’t realize it? How could you help them appreciate each other more?
• Who brings out the best in you (or has done so in the past)? What is it about that person that inspires, challenges, provokes you into giving your best?
• How might God use you to bring out the best in someone else you work with—even (or especially) if that person is built differently from you?

Thank God for the people he’s put each of you with—in your ministries, your workplaces, your families—and ask Him to show you how to bring out the best in every one of those people, even if you can’t understand what makes them tick. Ask for the Spirit’s help and insight to know the right things to say and do for each person God’s put you with, so you work together to accomplish God’s purposes.

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Lay Down What’s Done, Part 2

Posted on August 5, 2011 by Carl Simmons

Our experiences, to a large degree, have made us who we are. But we are more than just our experiences, let alone our negative ones. There is a life in Christ waiting for us that goes beyond what we would limit ourselves to. “Laying down what’s done” doesn’t mean we forget the things in our past. And it certainly doesn’t mean we stop feeling anything when they come to mind (although hopefully we move on more quickly). It does mean that we no longer allow ourselves to own those things, and that we no longer allow them to own us.

By laying down the things of our past, they can become instruments for God to use for something far better, instead of the prison they’ve become for us. (And that goes for positive things as well; we’ll spend more time there in future weeks.) And very often, they become the means to bring deliverance and transformation to others, as we share how God has changed us in those areas—and maybe even by our vulnerability in confessing our willingness to be changed, even as we continue to work through those issues.

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Eph. 2:10, NIV).

All of us are “pieces of work” in some way. And all of us are works in progress. By being willing to lay down our baggage, we give God full permission to get on with the work He’s prepared us for since the day we were created. And we might be surprised by how far-reaching that work becomes.

 

Lay It Down Today

1) Take a chunk of time right now to think about how God has transformed one area of your life (or more). Spend some time thanking God for the changes He’s already brought in your life.

2) Or perhaps this devotional stirred up something you’d really thought/hoped you’d moved on from, where God needs to do an even deeper work. Spend some time bringing that issue up to God (and leaving it there). Allow Him to transform it.

Either way, think about this: How could sharing about your past enable someone else to get past theirs? If someone just came to mind, make time to share about it with that person. One thing to note: If it truly required—or requires, if it’s something you and God are dealing with right now—God’s intervention, it’s already important. That’s enough. So look for an opportunity to let God speak through your life, and let God take it from there.

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How Has God Gifted You, and for What?

Posted on August 3, 2011 by Carl Simmons

When you hear the phrase “spiritual gifts,” what comes to mind? Why that reaction?

No matter what your reaction: When we each use the gifts God’s given us, together, He’s able to create something unique that can bring joy to others. God has a bigger plan, and every one of us is a part of it. He knows what we’re ready for, and He wants each of us to know it, too—whether we’re feeling ready yet or not. So let’s start figuring out together what God has in mind for each of us.

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen (1 Peter 4:8-11, NIV).

Now, read 1 Corinthians 12:4-12 and Romans 12:6-8, then think about these questions:

• What spiritual gifts do you see mentioned in these two passages? What are some others not mentioned here? (And yes, you could cheat and use the graphic on the right.)
• How could you see each of these gifts being used, either in the church or outside it?
• Let’s be honest: Some of these gifts look like things that anyone could do—and are. What, then, is the difference between a spiritual gift and a natural ability?
• Let’s take this to another level. Based on what you already know about yourself, which of these gifts make you say “That’s not me”? How could someone who has that gift help you?

There’s a quote I love by Watchman Nee, in his book Changed Into His Likeness (which I’ve only read, oh, maybe a dozen times) that I’ll share here: “When we see the holy purpose to which we are called, and then look upon ourselves, we too are utterly undone…. To know as a fact that the work is too sacred for me to touch—that is the beginning of my usefulness.”

So let me pick it up there: Do you really believe that God could actually call you to do His work? In what ways does His work still seem “too sacred for [you] to touch”?

And if you’re feeling overwhelmed, that’s OK—as long as you push through into discovering the answer to this question: Do you see any places right now where God is tugging on your heart to get involved? What do you think—or wish—you could contribute to that situation?

Don’t give up on yourself. God certainly hasn’t. Ask God to begin to revealing what He’s called you to, if you don’t already know. Ask Him to reveal the gifts He’s already given you, and for the faith and courage to step into whatever He’s calling you to do with them. And may God reveal things about both Him and you that you couldn’t have imagined earlier as you do so.

P.S./Addendum: Since for reasons I can’t really explain, this is by far the most-visited post on this blog, it’s probably worth pointing out that it’s adapted from a lesson in Season 3 in the Growing Out series, Growing in Your Gifts. So if your small group wants to explore their gifts in a lot more depth, go fetch.

And please check out the rest of the blog, too. There’s gotta be 100 better posts on here than this one, I swear.  For that matter, there’s several more on the subject of spiritual gifts — just search on the tags “growing out” and “spiritual gifts” and have fun. 🙂

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