17
Wanna Be
John Tilton1 Corinthians 2:4-5
My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power,so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.
Paul was not a natural orator or scholar, but one called to demonstrate the power of the Holy Spirit through the call on his life and his testimony. As we read, he didn’t use scholarly and persuasive words, but exampled the Spirit’s power; all so that the people’s faith and focus would not be on him or human wisdom and God.
I think about attending the leadership event yesterday and how enamored I was with Pastor Wayne and Chris Widener’s communication skills. I think about their pacing in their delivery, their choice of words, their jokes, illustrations, sayings and content. I find myself pondering the blessings and anointing it is to have such a gift of communication. They engaged and connected with the people, and had such an authority with the people captivated by their words. I found myself desiring that ability and giving. But then I realize, that we sometimes become so enamored with people because of their ability to command and communicate to an audience; often putting them up on a pedestal.
I am reminded to be content with the gifts that God has given me and what my call is; not to be desiring to have others’ calling or gifts because of the response by an audience, attention or authority. Most importantly, I must remember that I can communicate God’s gospel and love through my example and service of what God has given me in terms of gifting and call. May I not be prompted to look over the fence at others and their call or gifting, due to the command of an audience, but instead serving the call of an audience of one … Jesus Christ! May I not be a “wanna be.”
Dear Lord, thank you for the call on my life, specific to me and the gifting you have given me. Guide and enable me to develop and steward my call and gifting.
