Ephesians 4:7-8, 11-13

 

“But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. This is why it says:

“When he ascended on high,
    he took many captives
    and gave gifts to his people.”

So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”

 

Yesterday I attended a training and interview meeting for the Children’s Ministries at my church. My family and I are new to this Australian church and have made it a home. At this meeting a lot was said, and a lot was taken away, but what I really loved were these verses.

It was emphasized that God has given every one of us a gift, talent, ability; and He wants us to use them to bring Him glory in everything that we do. For me that is the ability to work with children. I have a lot of energy that not many have, I get filled with joy when I am around kids; and they love it when I interact with them. When I teach Sunday school and youth group/Awanas I don’t do it because I see it as a duty of faith, I do it because I delight in my gift and I use it to guide the younger generation to know who my God is. Doing this helps strengthen a portion of the body of Christ; building up, growing, until we all reach unity in faith and knowledge of the Son of God.

I’ve been doing this for a long time, and some ask why do I still do it? How can I handle all those kids all the time? Because I have gotten a personal joy from seeing them grow, seeing how they learn, learning with them and guiding and teaching them. Sometimes you don’t always see the results of what you teach to the kids. But I have and that has helped me as a teacher of Christ to keep pursuing this gift and to give it my all, and all for the glory of God.

Dear Lord,

Thank you for ascending on high, graciously appointing us with Heavenly gifts. I thank you for mine, my love and passion for Your children. Please use me in ways that will speak to their hearts that will help give them a clearer understanding of who You are. I pray and ask for others to receive your gracious gift and pursue You by giving their all, using their talents and abilities to glorify Your name. Please help them recognize their gifts and to not abuse them. Thank you so much for all Your love and holy guidance.

Amen.

Mer†