To end the summer, I gave a message to the youth ministry entitled GROW. The core of the message was to encourage the students in four biblical principles that we as a youth ministry would hope students begin to grasp: Groundwork (Biblical Truths), Relationships (Community of believers), Ownership (Owning your faith), and What Now (Service). For the very last point, the students began to understand the idea that all three prior principles are important in leading to the “what now”. Growing in the foundational truths of scripture, your relationship with God and others, and owning your faith are all things that are reflected in where God is calling each person to serve. They were encouraged to take the ways they believe God has gifted them and to use it!
At our National Night Out event, it was incredible seeing how many students took that to heart. I saw 3 students dedicate time to come early and set up, another 3 helping bring attention to the different games set up, and another 3 wanting to help out with the youth booth. One of our students has a lot of energy and loves to talk to people and it was fun to see his heart shine as he drew in people to our booth by asking them the simple question “do you want to spin the wheel for a prize?”, and then giving them our youth flyers for more info. Not only was he showing his excitement for youth group and growing in his faith, but also there was a genuine love of service and using the gifts God has given him.
In 1 Peter 4:10-11, it says “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.”
Those students grasped this very idea and are looking for different ways to use it and we are all instructed to do that. Are we actively seeking out the ways God has gifted us? If not, then why? If yes, are we doing anything with it? Everyone has certain talents or God-given gifts that they are skilled in, and each can be used for the glory of God. Each serves a different purpose, but none are more important than the other. Seek God’s wisdom through prayer about how He has wired you and gifted you. Trust the Holy Spirit to lead you concerning your gifts. Lean into some of the affirmation from other believers who may see things in us that we may not see in ourselves. And use it all for the glory of God.
