StrengthFinders is a program provided by and made possible by Gallup, which is a “talent test” that you take online.  The test will ask you questions about your preferences and how you view yourself.  How you see yourself in the world is the lens in which you see the world.  Through this lens, your strengths are identified.  Your strengths define who you are and how you interact in the world.  For example, one of my strengths is “inclusiveness.”  It upsets me when I see people being left out and I will often make sure I find ways that others are always included.  But, the whole idea behind StrengthFinders is that once your strengths are identified, you work towards building those strengths.  In other words, a weakness is just that – a weakness.  Therefore, you may never be able to develop a weakness above a 3 or 4.  But, a ‘strength’ could possibly be moved from a 5 to a 10 because it is a strength that is a part of you!

In 1 Corinthians 12:4-26, St. Paul tells the Corinth Congregation that everyone has gifts.  There is not a single person that God created, without giving him or her special gifts and talents.  We all have something that we are ‘especially’ good at doing.  I believe the key is that these are gifts and talents given to us by God!  Therefore, because God gave each one of us these gifts – may they all be different, we are to use them for the glory of God.

And, so this got me to thinking about our country and all the horrible things going on right now.  All I could think is that “what if” everyone used their gifts for the greater good of the world?  (1 Corinthians 12:7).  Can you even begin to fathom what that would look like and how different our world would be? There are so many Christians that do not use their gifts and strengths for God’s glory.  What if…we start right now! If you have a church home and are not participating in your congregation – begin today!  Whatever you are passionate about is where you will find your strength!

When you begin to use your gifts and talents for God, the Sprit is activated – giving you the power to do amazing work in the world.

What do you have to lose?  But, I promise, you have everything to gain!

Let us pray, Gracious God, reveal our strengths, gifts, and talents to each one of us so that we may use them for your glory. Give us the strength to do your will – even when we may face persecution and hardships.  In your name we pray, Amen.