Romans 12:4-8
“ For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.”
A few years ago at a church work day, I learned a new skill- Chainsaw cutting! Well, I
didn’t really “learn” in the sense that I was cutting all day or anything. However, I did cut one
limb. I said “I have never used a chainsaw before.” The reply was “That’s ok. You’re going to
use one now.” The chainsaw was handed to me and I was told “This limb here, it’s dead. Cut it off.” It sounded pretty simple. I asked, “Is there anything I need to know about how to cut with a chainsaw?” and the reply I got was “Nah.” It seemed like such a simple act to take the chainsaw, pull the trigger and cut away. Easy peasy. Simple as that.
And it pretty much was. Certainly I could still benefit from some kind of training class or
from working alongside of someone experienced as I practiced. But consider this: everyone who is excellent at what they do, an expert in their field or craft…all of them were at some point beginners, not knowing what they were doing. I also imagine a large majority of them started off being taught by someone else. Very few people become experts at something with no instruction. At the very least, they might have read a book. But doing something new, learning something new can be very rewarding. It can be exciting and fun. It can be life transforming. In turn, teaching something new to someone can also be rewarding. You are enabling them to do something they have never done before. You are changing their lives.
So here are some questions for you: What words of wisdom are you passing down into the lives of those around you? How are you influencing the people you interact with, for the better? And finally, what new thing(s) are you giving a go and trying out? What are you learning? Each of us has the opportunity to be teachers and learners; take advantage of the
relationships God has given to you and make a difference. Learn a little. Teach a little. Be a humble learner. Be a humble teacher. Who knows, it might take you places and give you experiences that will change your life and the lives of others. Father, Son and Holy Spirit, thank you for creativity. Thank you for the wisdom of the ages. Thank you for the many relationships with which you have blessed us. We can learn so much.
We can give so much. Help us never to miss an opportunity for either. Amen.
See you at church,
Pastor Michelle
Comments