One Straggly Chinese tallow tree - one beautiful gift.
Devotion 12/06/2007
Have you seen the Chinese tallow tree at the south end of the
church parking lot?
Most of the year we pass by that tree without noticing it because it is really kind of small and straggly. But this time of year it shows the most magnificent colors, bright orange, yellow and red. It makes our little spot on earth beautiful.
That tree reminds me of 1 Corinthians 12 that tells us all that we each have at last one special gift from God to give to his church. Some of us may feel like that tree most of the year. We feel straggly. We don't think that we have that much to give to Jesus so we devalue ourselves. But then the right time comes, say the right need that we can fill appears, and we step forward and our gift begins to shine. At other times and in other ways we do not show forth that much but when we are using our God given gift we do. When we do step forward and use our gift then others can see us and be encouraged by us.
My point is this: in between "Falls" that little tree doesn't do a whole lot. It does give some shade. But in the late Fall, wow, does it brighten up our lives. The same is true for all of us. We may live in between our shining moments a lot of the time, but when the time comes and our gift is needed, God makes us shine and makes us powerful to bring good and encouragement to others. So, while you live "in between" stand ready with your gifts. And when you shine, give him the praise and glory.
Take time to read 1 Corinthians 12 today and pray to God
for insight into your intended value for his body, the church.
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