Using Our Gifts

 I recently heard of a lady who was leaving her church after many years as a member. At first I thought, “Well, that’s not always a bad thing. Sometimes God leads us to different places and different ministries throughout life. Change is good.”

But then I heard the reason she was leaving. Apparently, the choir she was a long-time member of had a tradition of singing grand “choir specials” each Sunday morning. I know exactly the type of musical number she’s talking about! Big, orchestra accompanied songs with a soloist and strong choir back up. I grew up in a church that had those and they are beautiful and certainly one way to sing praises to the Lord.

But this lady felt that since the choir wasn’t doing much of that any more that meant she could no longer “use her gifts” and therefore she was leaving the church she had called home for many years.

Now, I don’t know this lady. And I haven’t discussed this topic with her – so this is just my unsolicited opinion. But I believe I can use my gifts when I am in the car all alone singing to God on the way to the grocery store. I can use my gifts sitting on the back row of church with nobody looking as I raise my hands to praise God for what He’s doing in my life. I can use my gifts when I hold a baby in the nursery on the Sunday I signed up to help there.

If truly we are concerned with an Audience of One then it seems like it doesn’t matter how grand or visible the display of our gifts and talents are; our God sees them and it pleases His heart. And that’s the one I care the most about.