Use the gift God has given you

Paul said that when Jesus “ascended to the heights, he led a crowd of captives and gave gifts to his people” (v. 8 NLT). He used the metaphor of a victorious king. It was common in Paul’s day for the conquering monarch to return to his palace with prisoners and treasures in tow. He celebrated his conquest by giving gifts to his people. So did Jesus. Having defeated sin and death on the cross, He ascended to heaven, took His rightful place at the right hand of God, and “gave gifts to his people.” What a delightful thought! Jesus, eternally crowned, distributing abilities and skills: “Joe, take your place in the domain of medicine. Mary, your territory is accounting.” Everybody gets a gift. And these gifts come in different doses and combinations. “Each person is given something to do that shows who God is” (1 Corinthians 12:7 MSG). Our inheritance is grace-based and equal, but our assignments are tailor-made. No two snowflakes are the same. No two fingerprints are the same. Why would two skill sets be the same? No wonder Paul said, “Make sure you understand what the Master wants” (Ephesians 5:17 MSG). Do you understand what the Master wants? If not, you’ll lead a dull, joyless, and fruitless life. You’ll never sing the song God wrote for your voice and never cross the finish line with heavenward stretched arms and declare, “I was made to do this!” That’s why the Bible says, “Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that” (Galatians 6:4 MSG).