Using Your Gifts Is an Act of Worship
By Rick Warren
“When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.” John 15:8 (NLT)
When you use the gifts that God has given you, it is an act of worship.
What makes God smile? Some people think God only smiles when you’re praying or singing or going to church. The truth is, God smiles when you use the gifts that he’s given you. When you’re doing what you were wired and shaped to do, God says, “That’s so cool! I created them to do that!”
There’s a memorable moment in the movie Chariots of Fire when Olympic runner Eric Liddell said, “When I run, I feel [God’s] pleasure.” God shaped some people to run. He shaped others to ride bikes, drive fast cars, or surf. They’re just good at it. I think when God looks at them, he says, “That is so cool! I made the wave. I made the surfer. This is cool.” You don’t have to always be doing something “spiritual” to bring God glory.
The Bible says, “When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father” (John 15:8 NLT). When you use your gifts correctly, God gets the glory. And you certainly can’t please God with gifts you don’t have. God doesn’t expect you to be talented or gifted at everything. He just wants you to use what he’s given you.
In the Bible, the word “joy” and the word “gift” actually come from the same Greek word. It’s the word for “grace.” When you use your spiritual gifts, it brings joy to God, and it brings joy to you. God says, “You’re doing what I created you to do.” And you say, “This feels good!”
There’s no feeling like doing something for God’s glory, knowing that you’re doing what he made you to do. It is the greatest thrill in the world! If you haven’t ever felt that thrill, discover and develop the spiritual gifts that are in you so you can enjoy your life and bring glory to God.
PLAY today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick
For more Daily Hope with Rick Warren, please visit pastorrick.com!
Be Encouraged Each Day to Live Out God’s Purposes
As thanks for your gift below to help share the gospel with more people around the world through Daily Hope, we’ll send you Pastor Rick’s new book, Daily Hope Devotional: 365 Days of Purpose, Peace, and Promise.
Each devotional starts out with a Bible verse, followed by teaching that explains God’s Word and shows you how to apply it daily so you can face any challenge and live the life you were created to live.
As a special bonus when you give, we’ll also send you What's Driving Your Life?: A 10-Day Turnaround for a Fresh Start. Featuring 10 hand-picked devotions from Pastor Rick’s new book, they’ll guide anyone feeling stressed, worried, or discouraged toward seeking God for a fresh start.
Request your copy below when you give—and take the first step towards a year of real purpose, lasting peace, and unfailing promises.
Thank you for your partnership!
*The USA IRS code permits you to deduct the amount of your financial gift to Daily Hope that exceeds the fair market value of materials you received from Daily Hope.
This devotional © 2018 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
You can listen to Rick Warren on OnePlace.com.
