27
Knowing My Assignment
John Tilton1 Corinthians 12:7-11
Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.8To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom,to another a message of knowledgeby means of the same Spirit,9to another faithby the same Spirit, to another gifts of healingby that one Spirit,10to another miraculous powers,to another prophecy,to another distinguishing between spirits,to another speaking in different kinds of tongues,[a]and to still another the interpretation of tongues.[b]11All these are the work of one and the same Spirit,and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.
These scriptures are a great reminder that I/we are blessed with certain talents and gifts from the Lord. As God has given each of us a gift or gifts, it seems that it is His call and reason for us to use those gifts to serve Him. God distributes these gifts to us, and is indeed these gifts are given for the common good. Yet, there can been the confusion of many “good things” to do. May I know the good that I am called to.
I’ve felt that I’ve recently been spreading myself thin, with great intentions, but perhaps accepting more things than I am called to. I felt as times as if I’ve been running on fumes, and compromising my family, Sabbath, health, and recreation time. God has blessed me to fulfill and complete my assignments. Yet, this is probably a great time to pause, think, evaluate, and plan the extent of my “plate.”
In reading the book “Building From Beneath the Waterline, and reading these scriptures, I am led to believe that I need to know my assignment, and stay focused. I’ve heard the story of the student who spent so much time on a paper, and felt it was one of the best paper’s the student had done. However, when the student turned it in, the grade was a “F”. Great paper, wrong assignment.
There are so many good and great things I can do. However, what is God calling me to do, so that I am pleasing onto Him. Perhaps there are times that I may be trying to please myself, or others, rather than God? Could I be doing certain things for self-gratification or for recognition? Am I wanting accolades and approval of others?
Dear Lord, thank you for the gifts you’ve blessed me with. Thank you that I have the excitement and energy to cease the moments of opportunity. However, may you guide me to me discerning to the call you’ve place on me, whether it be my mission statement assignment or my sub-mission assignments. May I know my assignment and not get distracted from your call and assignment on my life.
