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What
do you think? - share in the Connect section
here |
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Think
you’ve nothing to offer? That you’re
useless, ineffective, mediocre: an average
human being? You’re not alone. ALOVE
takes at what it means to fully use our gifts
and God-given potential…
Inner Racoons?
Inner Monsters?
What are the chances of finding someone who
is totally sorted, emotionally and psychologically?
For most people, it’s a struggle to
avoid comparing ourselves to others in a negative
light and difficult sometimes to live up to
our own expectations.
So how about we substitute or associate such
inner conflicts - those attitudes, thoughts
and voices that seek to bring you low whenever
you step out for God – as ‘Raccoons’;
fluffy and slightly muscular little animals,
with black and white ringed tails? Of course,
this association is not compulsory. You may
indeed wish to replace the humble Racoon with
other furry creatures (Hamster, Shetland,
Pony or Monster)...
Whatever you chose, perhaps such inner monsters
have a habit of distracting us from using
our gifts fully for God. We spend too much
time trying to convince ourselves that God
has not really given us any spiritual gifts,
and even when we do realise he has, we spend
even more time finding reasons why we can’t
possibly use them!
Do the following thoughts ring any bells?
‘No one will listen to me’; ‘What
if I make a fool of myself and I don’t
know enough to make a difference’; ‘I’m
not gifted enough;’ ‘I’m
not happy with the way I look and don’t
want to draw attention to myself’; ‘I’m
not able to speak clearly, I have a disability
and I will be misunderstood’. The questions
go on…
Just take a look at Moses!
If you’re looking for a bible character
that certainly struggled with an inner racoon,
take a look at Moses. He had so many Racoons
he could have had an extensive specialist
Racoon centre! He grew up not knowing his
roots, killed a man in a fit of rage, ran
away, was commissioned by God himself but
would not believe it until God displayed his
power. He then complained that he was no good
at public speaking so God helped him out with
Aaron. In short, Moses was in the world’s
eyes, a loser. But as he stepped out for God
with all his failings he saw the miraculous
and his people set free.
Combat
those Racoons!
Here are a few thoughts from the Bible that
we could reflect on whenever such a Racoon
raises its furry head ... |
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God the Father sees us in light of
Jesus’ finished work on the cross
(Colossians 1:22) |
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We are redeemed - our faith in Jesus
makes us ‘right’ with God
(Romans 3:22). Because of God, all who
he calls his children are brothers and
sisters in Christ (1John 3:1) |
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We live as communities that reflect
Gods love and kingdom values (Acts 2:42-47);
this is church (Matthew 18:20). |
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God has not left us on our own (John
14:15) and the Holy Spirit enables the
believer to respond to Jesus as he leads
us. He reveals Jesus to us so that we
may know him better (Ephesians 1:17-18)
and equips all believers to get on with
the job at hand (1Corinthians 12:6-7). |
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As we respond to Jesus in our worship,
and with those people and situations
that we meet, we too can see God working
through us and we can move on in maturity
into the likeness of Christ (Ephesians
4:13). |
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Of course none of these things are
passive – they all require our
participation. We worship God and share
him with others, in service and love.
This is our purpose and our calling.
Gifts are given to build up the church,
and as Paul pointed out, if one person
doesn’t use what God has given
then we all feel it (1Corinthians 12:26).
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Whatever condition you are in and
however unworthy you think you are,
God has chosen you to place his great
treasure within (2Corinthians 4:7).
We are like fragile clay pots but God
chose to place something very precious
inside. He is reckless and free with
his message and we should not be precious
about sharing it. |
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Learn as much as you are able about
God and tell others what you have found
as you go. |
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No one has perfect knowledge and we
should not wait until we think that
do. |
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Talk to a Christian who you respect
and trust about gifts and what yours
might be. Enjoy trying them out and
listen to God as you do. ‘Follow
the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual
gifts…’ 1Corinthians 14:1 |
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Finally, what
you may consider weaknesses or flaws, know
this, ‘… God chose the foolish
things of the world to shame the wise; God
chose the weak things of the world to shame
the strong. He chose the lowly things of
this world and the despised things –
and the things that are not – to nullify
the things that are, so that no-one may
boast before him.’ (1Corthians 1:27-29),
So embrace your Racoons and do it anyway!
Read about gifts
Romans 12:3-8
1Corinthians 12
Ephesians 4:11-12 |
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Youthwork -
The Partnership ...
ALOVE,
Youthwork Magazine, Youth For Christ, Spring Harvest and
Oasis are working together to equip and resource the Church
for effective youth work and ministry. |
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