“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” (1 Peter 4:10)
By Steve McShane
My professional career has been fast paced and demanding. As I think about how I’ve navigated it, I reflect on the support I have received in Bible study with my best friend and spouse, Danielle. Our time with our church group has highlighted how we have been blessed with completely different gifts.
My wife is a strong listener, asking meaningful thought-provoking questions. I admire her gift of patience. She is an excellent one-on-one counselor. I am the one gifted with public speaking and communication. I engage in humor and personal stories. I am also public with my faith, often challenging those around me to pursue Jesus in decision making and with public prayer.
Recently, I led a group of three in public prayer to aid a son hospitalized by addiction. I offered invitations to church services and a faith-based recovery program. As I walked away, I thanked God for the gift of the Holy Spirit and his specific gift to me to be bold in my faith in public.
I’ve concluded that God made each of us differently and for the good of the whole. So, I have taken an inventory of the ways I’ve been blessed with spiritual gifts at work, at home, and in the marketplace. As I’ve matured as a believer I have become more and more grateful for the fruit of the Holy Spirit. And as a community of believers, when we come to better know ourselves in our faith, we’re able to better serve God.
Pray
Lord, I am so grateful for the gifts the Holy Spirit makes available to me. I seek to deepen my commitment to realizing them and exercising them daily.
Reflect
How can you see the Holy Spirit helping you? Are you able to lean on the Holy Spirit throughout the day when navigating the world around us?
Discuss
What specific gifts can you call out as a strength you have? What gifts do you feel called to explore and develop?
Steve McShane is president of the WorkLight Monterey Chapter. He is past president of the WorkLight Salinas Valley Chapter. He serves as director of Development for The Bridge Restoration Ministry.