Today, let's take a moment for a brief dramatization. We'll be re-creating a scene from the 2004 film Napoleon Dynamite. You play the role of Napoleon (no, not that Napoleon!) and I'll be Pedro. You go first . . .
Napoleon Dynamite: Well, nobody's going to go out with *me*!
Pedro: Have you asked anybody yet?
Napoleon Dynamite: No, but who would? I don't even have any good skills.
Pedro: What do you mean?
Napoleon Dynamite: You know, like nunchuku skills, bow hunting skills, computer hacking skills... Girls only want boyfriends who have great skills.
Pedro: Aren't you pretty good at drawing, like animals and warriors and stuff?
Napoleon Dynamite: Yes... probably the best that I know of.
Pedro: Just draw a picture of the girl you want to take out... and give it to her for like a gift or something.
Napoleon Dynamite: That's a pretty good idea. And . . . scene! That was great. You're really quite the actor.
When it comes to using your abilities for ministry, you may be feeling a little like Napoleon. You may be thinking, "God only uses people who can teach or sing or cook chicken spaghetti...and I'll never have any cool skills like that." Well, take heart! Remember, you're pretty good at drawing animals and warriors and stuff.
Seriously, God never created anyone completely devoid of useful abilities. Every skill has a place in ministry. The members of the first-century church in Corinth (Greece, not Mississippi) got carried away desiring the cool ministry skills. The Apostle Paul had to set them straight:
Are we all apostles? Are we all prophets? Are we all teachers? Do we all have the power to do miracles? Do we all have the gift of healing? Do we all have the ability to speak in unknown languages? Do we all have the ability to interpret unknown languages? Of course not! (1 Corinthians 12:29-30, NLT). It takes each of us, with all of our diverse ministry skills, to accomplish the work of ministry. You never know which of your abilities is exactly what is needed to meet a need--maybe even drawing animals and warriors and stuff.
Take time to complete the Abilities Survey to let us know about your special skills. As a special snow day bonus, you can also complete the Napoleon Dynamite Abilities Survey.
Likewise, if you have not completed the Discovering Your Heart's Passion questionnaire or the Spiritual Gift Inventory, take time to do that today.
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Today's Prayer:
Dear God, I admit that I often overlook the special skills you have given me because I wish I had a different set of abilities. Remind that I am doubting your wisdom to create me exactly like you want me. Please show me how I can enjoy serving you with the skills you have given me.
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Lee Barnett serves as FBC's Minister of Worship. Since he would rather watch TV than keep his blog current, you can contact him here.
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