Gifts, Goals and Gain

When you think of gifts, what do you think? Most likely receiving them.
When you think of goals, what do you think? Possibly your future.
And when you think of gain, what do you think? Perhaps your advancement, getting ahead.

What is the repeat topic here? You.

Let's look at those questions again and instead of answering them with yourself- your receiving, your advancement, your gain- let's replace them with someone else. Let's replace them with giving to others, the goal of helping another, and the gain of blessings shared. Now let's take it to a new level.

Instead of you or I in those answers, place God there.

When you think of gifts, what do you think? God. His blessings... to you and from you to another.
When you think of goals, what do you think? God. His purpose... for you and for others.
When you think of gain, what do you think? God. His kingdom... for all saved Christians to rest in for all eternity.

It is human nature to think of everything in regards to one's self. Even the kindest, most giving, humble humans still have a sinful human nature about them. We have to intentionally guide our thoughts, our words and our actions to reflect those of Christ. It's a hard walk to walk but it's worth it. We are not to store up our gifts, keep our goals and hold on to our gain all here on earth. We are to spread Christ's love, let Him shine through in what we do, help lead others to Him, and ultimately rejoice in knowing we will one day spend all of eternity with Him and other believers in His Kingdom in Heaven.

He provides gifts to all of us. Those gifts can help us better attain His purpose for us, goals. And through it all what we gain is a relationship with Him and fellowship with one another. Replace yourself with Him and watch yourself be transformed.

Here are some tools to help you find what your gifts are.

Spiritual Gifts Assessment
For example, my spiritual gifts are wisdom, discernment and exhortation (encouragement).  While I am physically weak, I can use these gifts to connect with others and encourage them in their walk with Christ especially through difficult times that I can relate to such as disability or divorce. Think outside the box. Start a blog, write a book, design shirts... heck, start your own home-based company. Do whatever God is calling you to do.

Spiritual Pathways
and then you can read to understand it better here
This will tell you how you connect with God. For me it is creation followed by contemplative/intellect and activist. This explains why I need to get out into nature every day in order to reflect and feel renewed. Also my need to be alone with God so very often. This also could explain my drive to blog to promote awareness of MG and POTS, something I feel strongly about. Don't overlook the "little ways" you can connect with God and with others. Knowing how you connect deeply with God will allow you to keep Him center in your life by making sure you make the time in that specific way.

I think in life many times we do things backwards. We find jobs then try to figure out how to apply our skills to them. We do things our way, then cry out for God's help. Put him first, replace the answer of you with the answer of Him. And allow Him to guide you and your life exactly where He wants it... to your true calling and deepening of your relationship with Him.


Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21