Heart and Abilities – Part Two

In John 15:4-5 Jesus said: “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.” 

It’s easy to say: “Whatever you are doing wrong, stop it and shape up.” But, how can we start to follow our heart. (1) Open your heart to Jesus. Can you think of anything else? Without Christ, the other things cannot fall into place and not going to work. God is restoring us to our original relationship; that is what the gospel is about. (2) Let God begin to heal your heart. Psalm 34:18 says, “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” When life reeks, the Bible speaks to that without candy-coating the situation. When we are broken-hearted, that is when God (the Creator of our heart) is pursuing us wants to be close to us. (3) Listen, look and launch. Stop and listen to your heart. Look around and see what you are drawn to. Look before you leap, but (within godly standards) try stuff out. What’s the worst thing that can happen? Don’t be convinced that there is nothing here for you and don’t allow your heart to be stifled.  

1 Peter 4:11 “If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.”

God gives us abilities to be used. The 1828 Webster’s dictionary defines the word “ability” as: active power, or power to perform. In the plural, abilities is much used in a like sense; and also for faculties of the mind, and acquired qualifications. Moral power, depending on the will - a metaphysical and theological sense. It is your natural God-given talents. There is no such thing as a talentless person. But, we are better at talking about what we are not talented in than what we are good at. Focus on what you are talented in. Make a list of them and thank God for them.

1 Corinthians 10:31 “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

God gives us abilities to serve and honor Him. Colossians 3:17 adds, “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” 1 Corinthians 6:20 reminds us, “For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.” The Christian Doxology says, “Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.” Also, God gives us abilities to serve others as faithful servants. This notion is counter-culture to the I/Me self-serving message of this secular world. Our abilities, by God’s intent and design, offer us ways and means to make a living. Work and responsibility that God gives each of us to give to others also. So identify your abilities and pursue them.

How do we begin? Estimate, dedicate and cultivate. God has masterfully formed us to function. Stand back and take an inventory of what you are doing in life. Then sharpen your godly skills, use them and watch them take shape.

In Christ, Brian