Many people go through life asking how others can help them. We often operate under this mindset, wondering how other people can serve us and improve our lives. While this is a common and natural way of approaching life, there is a better way. Scripture teaches that we can impact others by how we live our lives and love the people around us. This mindset, my friends, is a better way of living.
Peter put it this way in 1 Peter 4: “God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another" (verse 10). Peter explained a vital concept in these verses: as followers of Christ, we have all been given gifts by God. These gifts may be speaking well, helping others, leading others well, etc. These things that we are gifted at, Peter made clear, are not a mistake. God gave them to us for a purpose. He gave them to us to encourage and serve the people around us, inside and outside the church.
God has given each one of us gifts. The question is, how are we using them? What gifts has God given you? What things come easily and naturally to you? For example, do you have the gift of hospitality? You may like to host or even lead, a small group. Do you have experience working with cars? You can serve along with Pit Stop. Whatever gifts God has given you, think of how you can use those gifts to be a blessing to the people around you.
Make a list of the gifts that God has given you. If you need help, ask family members or close friends. After making your list, plan how to use those gifts to bless the people around you. Doing this will bring purpose and is certainly a way to escape living an ordinary life.
"So then, since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourselves with the same attitude he had, and be ready to suffer, too. For if you have suffered physically for Christ, you have finished with sin. 2 You won’t spend the rest of your lives chasing your own desires, but you will be anxious to do the will of God. 3 You have had enough in the past of the evil things that godless people enjoy—their immorality and lust, their feasting and drunkenness and wild parties, and their terrible worship of idols.
4 Of course, your former friends are surprised when you no longer plunge into the flood of wild and destructive things they do. So they slander you. 5 But remember that they will have to face God, who stands ready to judge everyone, both the living and the dead. 6 That is why the Good News was preached to those who are now dead—so although they were destined to die like all people, they now live forever with God in the Spirit.
7 The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers. 8 Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay.
10 God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. 11 Do you have the gift of speaking? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Do you have the gift of helping others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then everything you do will bring glory to God through Jesus Christ. All glory and power to him forever and ever! Amen."
