Momentum For Monday, March 31st 2025
“Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of the varied grace of God.” (1 Peter 4:10)
It's been a week since I've been back from Greece. The jet lag and mind fog are starting to wear off and I'm getting back to my normal sleep schedule finally. I'm still processing it all to say the least.
The two weeks I spent there caught me completely off guard. I wasn't ready the trip. I had zero capacity and preparedness for being with almost an entire group of people much younger than me for two whole weeks. I was actually loathing it. But it is funny how God corrects you and shows you just how wrong you are (and I'm grateful for it).
The experience of history was incredible. I was able to walk the same stone walkway in an agora that Paul walked in Philippi. I stood on Mars Hill where Acts 17 took place. I saw the tomb of Philip II which was remarkable as well.
My class that I took while being there was one of my favorites too. I looked forward to every class (the loads of reading and homework not so much). I had a professor that taught history so well that it made me want to be better on the subject matter.
As amazing as all those things were and how spoiled I feel for experiencing them, they aren't my favorite takeaway from the trip. The biggest blessing was the people I went on the trip with, every one of them. Not only was I impressed with how bright they were, but how talented they were too.
We ended up doing worship sessions a few times at the chapel of the college we stayed at the 2nd week. We were exhausted, but worship was something we needed to keep us going (or so it seemed). One of the girls there played the piano in a way that felt therapeutic. I could have sat and listened to her play for hours.
I realized that her gift and talent became a gift to others, me especially. This isn't anything new though. That's really what God gave us gifts for to begin with. It isn't for our benefit, but the benefit of others. And when we steward our gifts well, they become a gift to those that need it.
One person had an incredible gift of peace and gentleness that made people feel at home no matter where they were. Another brought joy and confidence that put a smile on everyone. Another had such compassion that gave everyone a place of belonging and value.
I could keep going honestly, but I try to keep these short, so here's the point. Know the gifts that God has given to you. Use them to bless others and further the Gospel and his people. Have a good week!
“Now there are different gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are different ministries, but the same Lord. And there are different results, but the same God who produces all of them in everyone.”
(1 Corinthians 12:4-6)
“And we have different gifts according to the grace given to us. If the gift is prophecy, that individual must use it in proportion to his faith. If it is service, he must serve; if it is teaching, he must teach; if it is exhortation, he must exhort; if it is contributing, he must do so with sincerity; if it is leadership, he must do so with diligence; if it is showing mercy, he must do so with cheerfulness.”
(Romans 12:6-8)