Daily Devotionals
april 15, 2021
For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of each other. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.
Romans 12:4-8
The piano teacher had a sign on her piano that read, “Perfect Makes Practice.” (You may want to read that phrase again to be sure you read it correctly.) I was puzzled. “Isn’t the phrase supposed to be ‘Practice makes perfect’?” She smiled and then said, “I don’t agree with that phrase. It implies that you can practice enough so that you will become perfect. No one can do that. But if you understand that you have the gift of music inside you, then you must realize that the gift itself is already perfect. You cannot make it any more perfect by your own effort. God put it inside you. Because you feel a passion for it, the gift is perfect. Now if you understand that the gift is both perfect and perfectly given, then you are free to practice all you like, making more of that perfect gift every time you play.”
“Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them,” Paul writes. Recognizing that we all have different gifts, he encourages us to go ahead and use those gifts. There’s no need to hold them back or to be afraid they aren’t good enough. If God has put something in your heart, then it’s a sure bet He has plans for you and that gift. The perfection myth has no part in the game.
You who are reading this right now, I know there is something about which you are passionate. That enthusiasm is perfectly placed in you as a gift by the loving God who made you. You can be certain that the gift is perfect, and you can trust that God will equip you in the process of living into that gift. Don’t ever worry about “being perfect.” Just pick up the tools He has given you and practice all you like.
For Reflection
Have I held back my gift because I’m not perfect at it?
How can I put my passion into God’s hands today?
Prayer
God, You have abundantly blessed me with joy in being Your child. I know You have a purpose for me in this world, and I want to fulfill it. Help me step into the gifts You have poured into me. Remove my doubt and remove the urge to sink into perfection’s trap. Help me trust that You will equip me along the way in what You are already doing so I can join You in the restoration of all things. Amen.
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