Have you ever wondered what ’ s “ most valuable ” to God … Giving of one ’ s time , talent , or treasure ? I believe the answer is “ It depends .” It depends on God ’ s plans for what He ’ s given us to “ steward ” and His plans for us & others . Isaiah 55:8-9 “ For my thoughts are not your thoughts , neither are your ways my ways , declares the LORD . As the heavens are higher than the earth , so are my ways ”.
Of your time , talent , treasure ( the main resources God has given us to manage ), which is the easiest for you to give back to Him ? For me , it ’ s always been giving of treasures / finances ( even when I didn ’ t have much ). I struggled TERRIBLY with giving of time . Just wouldn ’ t do it . Made all sorts of excuses . Reasoned I ’ d work , make money , give it to God ( church , charity , others ) as that was my “ gift ” and “ calling .” I ’ d leave the “ serving ” up to others who are more “ gifted .”
Although God certainly bestows on us certain gifts , I ’ ve learned God sometimes wants something more or different . Years back God began encouraging me that there are times He needs , wants and expects me to give back to Him more than the financial treasures and blessings He ’ s entrusted me with . I recall taking a first step in surrendering in this area , when I prayed specifically , “ God I promise to be ‘ able & willing ’ if you ’ ll be clear as to when and how I am to serve you , by giving back time .” It didn ’ t take long before He presented serving opportunities and not surprisingly , it also didn ’ t take long for me to receive a variety of blessings . I developed new relationships , learned many new things and discovered how to handle different situations . I could see God being glorified in the work .
By being more generous with time , I learned a tremendous amount about others and about myself . Most importantly , I ’ ve come to know God better by serving Him in new and different ways . Often during these times of new serving experiences I find myself needing even more guidance and answers from God than usual , leading to more prayer ; therefore , more communication with God , more trust in God … A better relationship with God !
If you feel God leading you to explore serving opportunities here at Calvary and / or learn about your spiritual gifts , contact Stacy Armbrester ( sarmbrester @ calvarygr . org ), Director of Serving at ext . 5095 .
By Brent Enders
Calvary Church Deacon
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