Gifts for Giving

Have you ever been given a gift that you really hated? You open the wrapping and the person is so excited about what they gave you. After you catch your breath and rub your eyes, you think what the world is why did they think that I would like this or even want this? Then there are those gifts that catch us off guard. They come out of the clear blue. They are not only a pleasant suprise but an unexpected suprise. So, if I asked you what is the greatest gift and the worst gift that you have ever recieved you could probably name off a few things. Then there are other gifts we are given that we love but fail to use. On Chirstmas morning, I watch my children open gifts that they have long waited for and anticipated, they play with them for a few hours and then some are pushed aside never to be played with again. Some even end up at the Church yard sale or local thrift store. But what about the Gifts that God has given us. If we stop and think about all the things that God has given us, we will see that we are truly blessed and gifted people. But what do we do with these gifts? Some o fthese gifts are smart minds or talented hands. Some have been blessed with making wise business decisions. The there are others who have been given athletic or music talents and gifts. Some people use them to gain power, wealth, and prestige. Then there are those who use their gifts to glorify God and to tell God that they are thankful for what he has given them.
Romans 12:1-3
1Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual[a] act of worship. 2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

God calls us to become a living sacrifice. Not to use our gifts to gain the world but use our gifts to make a difference in the world. This week we will look at the gifts that we can give to God and how he is going to use these gifts to build this Church that God has put a comma on.