Get In The Game | Week 1 | Pastor Ben Pierce
Get In The Game: Unleashing Your God-Given Potential
In the first week of our series ‘Get in The Game’, Pastor Ben Pierce shares a powerful message about the importance of engaging with the gifts God has given us. Drawing from the parable of the talents, he encourages us to overcome our fears and actively participate in building the kingdom of God.
Introduction to the Series
In this series, ‘Get in The Game’, we are diving deep into understanding our God-given potential. The series is designed to encourage individuals to engage actively in their faith and community. It’s about moving from the sidelines into a place of action and purpose.
Throughout the coming weeks, we will explore various themes centred on engagement, fear, and the unique gifts each of us possesses. The goal is to empower everyone to step forward, embrace their calling, and make a significant impact in their lives and the lives of others.
The Importance of Engagement
Engagement is crucial in any community, especially within the church. It’s not enough to simply attend services; we must actively participate in the mission of God. Engagement means using our gifts and talents to serve others, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose.
When we engage, we contribute to a vibrant community that reflects the love and grace of God. This active participation allows us to grow in our faith, build meaningful relationships, and experience the joy that comes from serving others.
- Building Relationships: Engaging with others helps forge deeper connections within the church community.
- Personal Growth: Active participation challenges us to step out of our comfort zones and develop our spiritual gifts.
- Making a Difference: Every act of service, no matter how small, contributes to the greater mission of the church.
Fear vs. Faithfulness
Fear is a natural human emotion that can often hold us back from engaging fully in our faith. It can manifest as doubt, insecurity, or the fear of failure. However, faithfulness calls us to trust in God’s plan and step out despite our fears.
Understanding the difference between fear and faithfulness is vital. Fear can paralyse us, causing us to hide our gifts and talents. In contrast, faithfulness propels us to act, to use what God has entrusted us with for His glory.
- Fear: Often leads to inaction and hiding our gifts.
- Faithfulness: Encourages us to take risks for the sake of the kingdom.
- Choosing Faith: When we choose to be faithful, we discover new opportunities and a deeper relationship with God.
Main Thought: Exposing Fears and Gifts
One of the main themes of this series is the idea that exposing our fears can often lead to burying our gifts. When we allow fear to dominate our thoughts, we may choose to hide our talents instead of sharing them.
Conversely, when we bring our gifts into the light, we often find that our fears diminish. This concept can be transformative in our walk with God. By confronting our fears, we can unlock the potential that lies within us.
- Identify Your Fears: Recognising what holds you back is the first step towards overcoming it.
- Embrace Your Gifts: Acknowledge the talents God has given you and look for ways to use them.
- Support Each Other: As a community, we can encourage one another to step out in faith and support each other in our journeys.
10 Talent Truths
The first truth to understand is that God gave you your gifts to be used. Each talent and opportunity you possess is a divine gift meant for action, not for hiding. Your abilities are entrusted to you by God, and it’s vital to recognise that you have a responsibility to steward them wisely.
1. God Gave You Your Gifts to be Used
Your talents are not yours to do as you please. They are God’s gifts, and He expects you to use them for His glory. Whether it’s your ability to communicate, organise, or create, these gifts should be used to serve others and build His kingdom.
Consider how you can actively engage these gifts. If you have a knack for hospitality, perhaps you could host a small group. If you’re artistic, maybe you could contribute to the church’s visual ministry. The key is to take action.
2. Everyone Receives Something
Another essential truth is that everyone receives something. Each person has been given unique talents and abilities according to their capacity. This means that you have something valuable to offer, regardless of how you perceive your talents compared to others.
Don’t fall into the trap of thinking you have nothing to contribute. Every gift, whether big or small, plays a significant role in the body of Christ. It’s about recognising the importance of your function within the community.
3. Different People Have Different Abilities
We are not all created equal in terms of talents. Some have five, others two, and some just one. The focus should not be on how much you have but rather on how you use what you do have. Your abilities are meant to be offered back to God.
Accepting your unique gifts allows you to serve authentically. Embrace who you are and what you can do, and offer it to God without comparison to others.
4. It’s Not How Much You Have, It’s What You Do With It
The fourth truth is that it’s not about the quantity of your gifts but the quality of your actions. Even if you feel you have limited abilities, the impact of your contributions can be profound if you commit to using them effectively.
Think about the small acts of kindness or service you can offer. Sometimes, it’s the little things that make the biggest difference in someone’s life.
5. Equal Faithfulness Determines Equal Reward
Faithfulness in using your gifts leads to rewards, regardless of the size of your contribution. The five-talent servant and the two-talent servant both received the same commendation for their faithfulness. This teaches us that God values our commitment to serve, not just the outcome.
When you are faithful with a little, you will be entrusted with more. Your willingness to serve should be driven by love and dedication rather than comparison.
6. Fruitfulness is Revealed by Faithfulness
True fruitfulness stems from a consistent commitment to your calling. It’s not about sporadic acts of service but rather a long-term commitment to using your gifts. Over time, your faithfulness will bear fruit that glorifies God.
Remember that faithfulness is a journey. Each step you take in serving God contributes to the bigger picture of His kingdom.
7. Success is Not Possible Without Taking Risks
Every gift requires a willingness to take risks. The one-talent servant failed to take any risks and, as a result, lost the opportunity to grow. Stepping out in faith often means facing fears, but the potential rewards are worth the risk.
Consider what risks you might need to take in order to serve better. Whether it’s volunteering, sharing your testimony, or leading a group, each step of faith can lead to significant growth.
8. If You Don’t Use It, You Will Lose It
Your gifts need to be actively used; otherwise, they can become dormant. The parable warns us that if we bury our talents, we may lose them entirely. Engage your gifts regularly to keep them sharp and effective.
Reflect on how you can incorporate your talents into everyday life. The more you use them, the more they will grow and flourish.
9. You Will Be Held Accountable for What You Do With Your Gifts
Lastly, we must remember that we will be held accountable for our use of gifts. God expects us to utilise what He has given us. This accountability should inspire us to act and serve diligently.
As you evaluate your contributions, ask yourself: Am I using my gifts to their fullest potential? How can I better serve my community and glorify God?
10. Embrace Your Calling
Ultimately, embracing your calling is about recognising the importance of your gifts and taking action. God has a purpose for you, and stepping into that purpose can transform your life and the lives of those around you.
Don’t let fear hold you back. Instead, take bold steps to uncover your gifts and use them for God’s glory. The world is waiting for you to step into your calling!