GOD HAS BLESSED EACH OF US WITH A GIFT

Proclamation:

"We have different gifts, according to the grace given us.  If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith.  If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully."  Romans 12:6-8 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by the Apostle Paul to the believers in Rome.  After warning the people of God not to think too highly of themselves, (Romans 12:3) Paul told them that each one of them is a member of the body of Christ and each of them has a purpose and function to fulfill. (Romans 12:4-5)  Then he shared with them that they all have been given gifts, thanks to the grace of God, and they have not been given the same gifts.  Then Paul admonished them to use the gift which they had been blessed with to the best of their ability.

Application:

God has also blessed each one of us today with a gift.  Some have more than one gift.  All of us have been given gifts but we do not all have the same gifts.  God has a purpose for each one of us to fulfill which compliments the purposes that He has for other believers to fulfill.  However, it is up to us to determine how we will use our gift.  God does not interfere with our free will or our freedom of choice.  It is up to us to choose whether or not we use our gift, and if so, then how we will use it.  We should use our gifts to the best of our abilities, and do so in a way that gives God glory.

DON'T ENVY OTHERS ENJOY YOUR OWN BLESSINGS

Proclamation:

"A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones." Proverbs 14:30 (NIV)

Explanations:

King Solomon, the wisest man to ever live, (2 Chronicles 1:7-12 and 1 Kings 4:29-34) wrote these words under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  Solomon wanted the people of God to know that it is not healthy for them to be jealous and envious of the things that others have.  Jealousy and envy will destroy their inner peace.

Application:

A healthy mind filled with wisdom is associated with a healthy body.  Envy and jealousy are like suffering from a painful incurable condition that destroys our insides.  They are like a passionate hatred which produces only corruption and distress, and ultimately they shorten ones life.  Conversely, a healthy heart and mind which is at peace will lead to longevity.  We should be thankful and rejoice in the things which The Lord God has blessed us with.  We should not worry or fret over the blessings which others receive.  Everything that we want is not good for us, and some of the things that others have we could not handle.  God gives to us according to our ability to handle things. (Matthew 25:14-15)  If the truth be told, often we are not willing to pay the price that others paid to get what they have.  We need to learn to be content with what we have, whether we have a lot or a little. (Philippians 4:11-12)  So let go of jealousy and envy.  Let us count our blessings, thank God for them, and enjoy them.