Romans 12:6-8 “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.”

Here is some overlap of spiritual and vocational gifts. Although these are primarily church-centered gifts it would not be a stretch for the believers in Rome to apply these verses to their work.

Principle: Go with God-given strengths at church and work. Do it wholeheartedly with confidence in the outcome.

Cal Ripken was inducted into baseball’s Hall of Fame in 2007. He was an honest-to-goodness sports hero worthy of the honor. In his 21-year run with the Orioles he worked hard, treated his teammates and fans with respect, and stayed out of trouble. In his acceptance speech, he remarked about the role that sports played in teaching him values and principles. “It can be a huge developmental tool for life. Just think – teamwork, leadership, work ethic, and trust are all part of the game and are also factors in how we make the most of our lives. I know some of you look back at my consecutive-game streak as an accomplishment. While I appreciate it, I just look at it as showing up to do your work every day.”

Go with your strengths. Do so wholeheartedly with confidence in the outcome. Genius begins great works, labor finishes them, and character counts.

Discussion:

1. What are your God-given strengths? If you don’t know, how could you find out?

2. How are those strengths put to use in your workplace?

3. What is keeping you from wholehearted confidence?