Not My Gift – Nor My Talent

When my wife purchased the four foot wide portable closet unit for our basement one of my friends said, “Those are a piece of cake to assemble.” I needed a second person to help me get it out of her car; it’s amazing how heavy particle board has become! Thankfully I now had some help putting it together as well.

When we opened the box, all the parts seemed to be there, but the kick plates were damaged (hint: particle board is heavy but fragile) as were the two front doors. But, we soldiered on, determined to accomplish the task before us. Working on the cement floor was taxing; construction was relatively straight forward; completion was eventual (but not as quick as we had hoped).

After all was said and done, the closet unit now full of supplies, I realized once again: projects like these are not my gift, nor my talent. As a result, rarely a joy.

When I’m using gifts or talents that either come naturally or supernaturally, I’m not only living in my sweet spot, but delightedly so! Here my gifts are given to serve others, for the building up the Church and growing the Kingdom of God. When my gifts are displayed with joy and passion, I’m contributing to the abundance of life in Christ for all who cross my path.

Knowing your gifts and understanding your temperament are important elements for the crafting of your personal rule of life. See how others are leaning into this way of being at www.RuleOfLife and join the journey into the abundance of life in Christ. “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5: 16). Shine on dear friend!

SHARE THIS POST

Can't find what you're looking for?

Steve Macchia

Founder & President

Steve is a graduate of Northwestern College (IA) and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (M.Div. and D.Min.). His prior ministry includes serving on the pastoral staff at Grace Chapel (Lexington, MA) and as president of Vision New England. Since July 1, 2003 Steve has served as founder and president of Leadership Transformations, director of the Pierce Center for Disciple-Building, and adjunct faculty in the Doctor of Ministry department at Gordon-Conwell. He is the author of sixteen books, including The Discerning Life (Zondervan Reflective),  Baker bestseller Becoming a Healthy Church, and Crafting a Rule of Life (IVP). He lives in the Boston area with his wife Ruth and is the proud father of two grown children, Rebekah and Nathan, daughter in-love Ashley, and papa to his beloved granddaughter, Brenna Lynn and twin grandsons, Aiden Joseph and Carson Stephen. “My soul comes alive singing the great hymns of the church and enjoying the beauty of God’s creation. I’m in awe of God for fulfilling the dream for LTI that he birthed in my heart, for the team he has assembled, and the transformational impact experienced in the leaders and teams we serve.

Detailed Biography
Articles by Stephen Macchia
Author Website
Schedule a one-on-one with Steve

Fill out my online form.