The Problem With Comparison
It’s incredible that God gifts us in different ways for His glory. The book of Romans says that He gifts us by His grace (Romans 12:6-8). Every gift and talent we have is to serve Him and also to serve one another.
The problem with gifting is that naturally some people seem to have it all and some seem to have less. There are people I know who can pretty much do anything. They pick up any instrument and can make it sing. They pick up any artistic medium and use it to turn a blank canvas into a stunning expression of worship.
Why does it seem that God gives some greater gifting than others?
The problem with looking at gifting in this way - and looking at God’s grace in this way - is that it takes and gives value in a way that we as humans are not meant to operate. It is God who gives. It is God who enables. It is God who changes human hearts and draws men and women unto Himself. And for some crazy reason, He lets us be involved in this process. What a humbling thought!
I remember one night our church had the privilege of hosting Kari Jobe for a night of worship. This girl, can sing - I mean, really sing. I walked away from the night feeling both inspired by God in her life but also limited in my ability. I distinctly remember saying to my husband “I will never be as good as Kari Jobe - Her actual voice is simply better than mine”. No sooner than those words had passed my lips did the voice of the Holy Spirit boom into my heart.
He questioned me: So what you’re saying is that I gave you an inferior gift?
I answered with silence, as I comprehended what He was asking me - the weight of His words. He ended the conversation with this statement: What I gave her, I gave her - and what I gave you, I gave you.
We have all heard the expression “Use what’s in your hand”. It’s comes from the story of Moses in Exodus, where God miraculously uses Moses’ plain wooden staff to bring the people of Israel from captivity to freedom. How often we fix our eyes on the “staff” instead of on the God who transforms it. It was never about the staff! It was always about what God could do with it.
By His grace, He has given you all you need to serve Him. After all, the change that happens in the people’s lives is not because we worshipped with outstanding perfection and nailed every note. It’s not because we preached with convincing eloquence. It’s because God Almighty, who spoke and created the heavens and earth, saw fit to give us tools to use and then breathe on them. The power of God in your life is not because of the quality of your gift, but it’s because of the quality of God’s Presence.
Today, use what gifting you have been given by God - and see what He can do!
Jemima Gleeson has been involved in worship and creative arts for more than 15 years. She is a powerful worship leader and songwriter and alongside her husband Ben (LUKAS music director & bass player) they are actively involved in the worship ministry and leadership at HopeUC on the Central Coast of NSW Australia for the last 9 years.
Jemima has grown up around music, but at the age of 17 had an encounter with God's presence which would change her life forever. She communicates the truth of the gospel with humour and passion. Jemima is currently completing a bachelor degree in Theology.
As well as being actively involved in church leadership, Ben and Jemima are also business leaders and mentors at Glee Coffee Roaster, employing and leading over 30 staff through a roastery, wholesale distribution and three of their own cafe’s.
They have been married for 14 years and in that time have faced multiple health challenges and battles which have strengthened their faith and as a result they bring a message of hope and trust in God in all seasons and circumstances.
They are the proud parents of three beautiful daughters.