We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us. (Romans 12:6 NRSV)

The best basketball player ever? Michael Jordan or Pistol Pete Maravich? Maybe Lou Alcindor is the greatest your choice. What set these men apart in their sport were the natural talent and the development of that talent through dedication and practice, practice and more practice.

Every believer is blessed of God with spiritual gifts. When we all use our gifts as God intends, then the world is blessed and our own lives are enriched.

All great leaders have recognized that to be effective, we must use the gifts God has given us. Grady Wilson for years handled evangelist Billy Graham's business affairs. We are told that some time back Wilson was faced with a decision about whether to move the Billy Graham organization to larger quarters. Unable to arrive at a decision, he called Dr. Graham for advice. Graham answered kindly but firmly. "I don't call you and ask you what I should preach," he said. "Don't call me about what you should do with buildings."

Spiritual gifts are not limited to singing, speaking or praying. The New Testament lists many gifts of the spirit and those gifts translate into service areas. The gift of compassion could be developed into serving in the medical field. Like great athletes, Christians have to follow God’s leading into where they can best serve. Developing the gift will require dedication and practice, practice and more practice.

God’s Wisdom: Jesus looked at them and said, "With man, that is impossible. But with God, all things are possible." Matt. 19:26

Worldly Wisdom: If we don't change, we don't grow If we don't grow, we arent' really living. Gail Sheehy