If you knew me a couple of years back you would have probably seen me as one thing. A basketball player. I mean it was pretty much who I was. My time was all focused at that one avenue and I even put my hopes in it. You know at times I truly miss it. But more than the conditioning, and games, and cool socks. I miss my brothers.
It is so interesting to look back to my freshman year of High School. We had 30 guys who attempted to play basketball! From that time to senior year only 2 guys from my class made it! 2! That is just crazy to me. But, regardless by the time Junior and Senior year came around, I was on a team. Junior year it was me and 11 Seniors. The following year it was me, and not 11 Seniors... But if you just look at the two teams we had, they were so vastly different. One was full of experience, and unfortunately my Senior year was a "rebuilding year". Both years were so fun though. I believe that sometimes life changes things get altered but we often have the same strengths and play the same position. As I flipped to Romans 12 this morning I was reminded that we ALL have different gifts and talents that are all for the same purpose, glorifying God. In this book I can just see Paul pumping people up.
On my basketball teams we were all different. Some were fast, some were strong, some could shoot, some couldn't.. I mean at times I think we all look at our weaknesses and forget, "Oh yeah, I am pretty dang good at serving." These gifts that Paul throws out there, are pretty often overlooked.. In basketball I was not quick. Im a tall dude, but I could not get those long legs going. I knew that. I learned it pretty early on. But, you know what I am? I am a smart dude. I knew the game of basketball and I knew the positions to go to before other people would. So to beat my lack of quickness I would get to those spots first. Just because you're an awful teacher, or you hate giving.. Does not exclude you for displaying your set gifts! We are so different. And that is good! So often in our world we try to blend or try to fit in with other peoples gifts. No No No! I was a pretty good shooter.. You know I could shoot that orange round thing through the other orange round thing.. But I couldn't do that without someone to pass me the ball, or someone to dribble down the court.. Or without someone making an amazing defensive play on the other end.. My prayer today is that you see your gift.. Or if you don't know, seek God. Ask Him to show you. Maybe ask some trusted people in your life. But, I hope you leave here encouraged. As we all pursue God we need each other. If I am a teacher I need some encouragement, or some kindness. These gifts go together so well.. Want to know why? That is how God designed them.. Get out there! Speak with faith! Serve well! Teach well! Encourage! Give generously! Take your role seriously! Be kind! Don't forget though.. Even teachers need to be taught. Leaders must be lead. Givers can't always pour out. And encouragers need encouragement too.. All our gifts are needed! Love you guys!
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AuthorMy name is Andrew Berry! I am just living my life chasing after Jesus and trying to point others to Him. Archives
January 2017
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