Use Your Gifts

'A spiritual gift is given to each of us...' 1 Corinthians 12:7 NLT

One of the great benefits of finding and fulfilling your life's calling is that it settles the question of what constitutes true success. Many of us have a faulty definition. We've bought into the idea that success is measured by how well we do compared to how well others do. That's a recipe for frustration! No matter what you do, someone else will always do it better. But when you define success in terms of God's purpose for your life, the standard changes completely. True success is not what you've done compared to what others have done, but what you've done compared to what God assigned you to do: 'A spiritual gift is given to each of us as a means of helping the entire church.' (1 Corinthians 12:7 NLT) Jesus said He was successful because He accomplished the work His Father had sent Him to do (John 17:4). Paul could say at the end of his life, '...I have finished my course...' (2 Timothy 4:7 KJV) By this standard, success may mean leaving a lucrative job to follow God's call. It may mean using your talents for His glory, instead of chasing fame and fortune. Whatever it is, once you know you're in your calling you can stop comparing yourself to others or wishing you were someone else. The Bible says we are each given gifts '...for the common good.' (1 Corinthians 12:7 NAS) Only when you're using your gifts to bless others will you experience true satisfaction. Pay checks and promotions are good, but they can't take the place of divine purpose. Only in your calling will you experience lasting joy.