Double Denim

First things first: I am by no means a Fashionista and neither do I consider myself an expert in fashion. If you ask me what’s trending fall ‘16 or spring summer ‘17 I couldn’t tell you.  However, what I do know is I like clothes and if I like something and it’s flattering I’ll throw it on.

I am a big fan of Double Denim. This includes same wash denim, different wash combos, skirts and shirts, trousers and jackets, the whole lot. Why? I really don’t know, I think there’s something cool yet corny about matchy matchy outfits.

And my leopard print heels…I don’t really have an explanation it’s just one of my favourite prints, maybe because it represents my feisty side.

 

Now we have done the fashion part, let’s skip over to the main topic of discussion. Doubling what you have, in the area of gifts.

Recently, whilst praying with friends I felt God share something with me that had to be shared with others.  Without the batter of an eyelid I told my girls that I was praying with. But, I knew there were more people I had to share it with and this made me quite uneasy. Why?  I’m sure you’ve guessed it. Fear.  I used to doubt this particular gift and so rarely used it.  But this time, before fear took a complete hold of me, I went back to a conversation I had with an aunt of mine. 

During this conversation she was explaining that the only way to grow or multiply the gift God gives you is to use it.

She acknowledged that at first you may feel unsure and a bit uncertain as to what you’re doing, but by putting your gift to work, you will become better skilled, increasing your capacity and ability in that area.

After that quick flashback, I decided not to succumb to the spirit of fear, and so shared by sharing this message. By doing this really quickly I sensibly denied myself the opportunity of listening to the whispers of doubt from my ex-associates; fear.

I’ve learnt the number one rule to doubling your gift is ‘working your gift’.

Think about your working environment or school. When you have been given a responsibility or task to do, the only way you would be given more or considered for a promotion is if there is clear evidence that you are first doing what you are expected to do. And secondly, you are doing it well.

This is similar with the gifts and responsibilities you’ve been given by God. You desire more?  First, you have to work with what you have been given.  You are expected to produce and increase with what you have.  As you are become proactive, you are given more, and the more you are given the more is expected, and then you are given more, and a little bit more is expected.  You see the pattern?

From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.

(Luke 12:48)

Let’s take a look at our perspective because I’m convinced that impacts what we do or don’t do. 

How do you view your responsibilities or gifts. If you see it as a small and insignificant you probably won’t value it and use it like you should.

 

Remember the body, there are various parts. But they all need each other to function effectively.  Tell me, what can your left leg can do on its own? Could it decide to run a half marathon without it being connected to your hip?  Or without the brain telling it what to do or where to go? Or the eyes directing its next step?  By itself, the left leg is useless. But, connected it is is able to function effectively.

 

Similar to our gifts. When we consider it as part of a bigger picture, as something that is to benefit others and bring glory to God we will be more inclined to using it properly.  There is nothing wrong with wanting more, especially as our gifts are to serve others.

In the same way, since you’re so desirous of spiritual gifts, you must keep on desiring them for building up the church.

(1 Corinthians 14:12)

It is important that we are working our gifts, because in doing so we become more proficient thus experiencing an increase.

There are many gifts I covet.  But in my quest for more I ask myself:

 

• What am I actually doing with what I have?

• Do I value my current responsibilities and gifts?

• Am I sharing it with others?

• Am I using it to advance the kingdom of God?

• Or am I just wanting more without utilising what I already have?

Facts are if you’re not doing much, you probably won’t get much.  Thus the more you utilise your gifts, the more you will grow and increase.

 

 

It’s a simple equation: The greater the input, the greater the outcome.

 

In truth and with love

Faith xox