GIFTS

 

Think of yourselves with sober judgment,

in accordance with the faith
God has distributed to each of you.

Romans 12.3

 

Romans 12.6b-8 helps us find our God-given areas of unique value and worth in the "body of Christ," the church.  

Romans 12.9-21is a remarkable list of good things God wants us to have and give to others. 

These good things make up the salt and light that Jesus says we are to provide for everyone we meet, the sweet incense of Jesus' presence in us. 

As we grow in grace and knowledge of Jesus, we become wiser, stronger, and better in more and more of these ways. 

As the Holy Spirit works His ways into our lives through the "beatitudes" (Matthew 5.1-12), we become

 "the salt of the earth"

and

"the light of the world." 

Matt 5.13-16

 

But notice--Jesus ends His introduction to the Sermon by saying,

Let your light shine before others,

that they may see your good deeds and

glorify your Father in Heaven.

v.16

 

It is good deeds like Romans 12.9ff that draw people to the light of the glory of our God.

As we draw near to our Lord, He draws near to us and we grow in grace whereby God provides the power of goodness to everyone we meet.

Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart

and with the full assurance that faith bring.

Let us hold unswervingly

to the hope we profess,

for He who promised is faithful,

and let us consider how we may

spur one another on

toward love and good deeds…

encouraging one another

as we see the day approaching.

Hebrews 10.22-25