May 16 - Puzzling

Read Romans 12:1-8

Context: Paul has been discussing the Israelites and how he wishes they would realize the truth of the gospel. He states that God has allowed men to become disobedient so that his mercy can be given to all.

Text:
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.

3For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. 4Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his[b]faith. 7If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. (NIV)

Footnotes:

Romans 12:1 Or reasonable
Romans 12:6 Or in agreement with the
taken from www.biblegateway.com

Have you ever thought about the way God wants to use you to further the kingdom? He has given each of us specific gifts that fit in uniquely with our personalities, talents, and desires. When each of us use these gifts in the way he has intended, the church is so dynamic that people can't help but be drawn to it.

God is pretty amazing (well, duh!), and he has distributed these abilities like puzzle pieces. When you look at the piece or two that you have been given, you can't really figure out what the big picture is. But if you willingly fit your piece on the table with everyone else's his plan quickly becomes clear.

There are a lot of Sundays when I want to just show up to church and enjoy the day, relaxing in those nice new chairs. However, every time I do that it is like I leave my puzzle piece at home. I want to see the whole picture, but I am refusing to contribute my part to it. As a result someone who shows up that same day doesn't receive the blessings that God had intended for him or her.

What piece of the puzzle to you add? Is it hidden in a drawer for safekeeping, or do you bring it with you each day so that the puzzle picture can be complete?