At times, concepts such as self-discovery, identity and authenticity can either become a self focused obsession, or it can be dismissed as mere psychobabble. However, each of these areas has an important role to play in the transformational journey of believers. The goal of the spiritual journey is the transformation of self for your own benefit and the benefit of others. This requires knowing both yourself and God.
Christian author, psychologist and Spiritual Director David Benner states, "The desire for uniqueness is a spiritual desire. So too is the longing to be authentic. These are not simply psychological longings, irrelevant to the spiritual journey. Both are the response of spirit to Spirit - the Holy Spirit calling us home to our place and identity in God." (The Gift of Being Yourself). However, if we try to build our lives and fulfillment on self esteem alone, we are building on a foundation of sand. We all need to experience our lives, actions and gifts as significant and valuable regardless of situation and circumstances. There is a term for this. It is "mattering." Mattering is the steady conviction that your life and actions have value regardless of your present circumstance. It allows our value to escape the trap of self-esteem or comparison, which only swings between extreme highs and los.
The Elders of Rockhlls presented teaching and a short workshop this week on spiritual gifts and why they matter. Because YOU matter. You are unique and you matter. How might knowing your unique spiritual gifting help you walk into what God has for you and for the Body of Christ? How does seeing your gifts through the eyes of God's economy rather than the world's help with "mattering?"
INVITATION: This week, Ten Minutes With God has an unusual format. You are invited to learn more about yourself and the unique giftings God has given to you and how important they are. You matter. Your gifts matter. Jesus said the greatest commandment is to "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength and all your mind. And, love your neighbor as yourself." How can you do that if you don't really know and understand what is in your heart and soul at their deepest level? This week, you will be invited to spend time with God discovering more about yourself and the gifts that are uniquely yours and given to you by the Holy Spirit.
MONDAY: If you didn't already take the free SHAPE Assessment as part of the last two teaching Sundays, today you are invited to take it HERE. It will take approximately 30 minutes. Consider saying a prayer prior to taking it and then, sit back, relax and enjoy the process with God by your side.
TUESDAY - Remainder of the week. We are providing a workbook for you to work through your SHAPE assessment. Invite God to show you and teach you as you go through this tool. How might God be inviting you to use your gifts for the benefit of the Body of Christ? You can download the workbook here.