Over the past couple months, I have been preparing for a missions trip with the Young Adults. Throughout this preparation process, it has occurred to me that evangelism is only effective if we speak out of experience. Yes, we preach the Gospel. But have we experienced the Gospel? Yes, we tell people God is great. But have we experienced His greatness? Have you ever had a boring teacher throughout high school or college? What makes that teacher boring? The reason is that they are simply spitting out information; they don’t necessarily love what they are saying.

What in the world does this have to do with worship, you may ask? Everything. Consider this Scripture:

“The Lord reigns, let the earth rejoice; let the many coastlands be glad!” (Psalm 97:1).

Before you can reflect God, you must experience God. Do you approach God out of duty or joy? Gladness or guilt? The goal of worship is not simply for us to do it, but that the nations might also be glad in God. Your life will speak volumes to unbelievers when they see that you are glad in God, no matter what you are going through.

Will you approach God with gladness this week? Is He your joy?

Have you ever considered that the very use of your gift brings glory to God, if it is used properly? This week I am so excited to share one of my favorite passages of Scripture. Check this out:

“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies – in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him be glory and dominion forever and ever” (I Peter 4:10-11).

According to Peter, the context of this verse is related to the end of time. Verse 7 indicates, “The end of all things it at hand; therefore…” Following is a list of what we should do because the end is near: be self-controlled, sober-minded, love one another, show hospitality, and…use the gift you have been given.

There is a way to use your gift so that is brings glory to God, or in such a way that it dishonors God. According to our passage, here are two clues that we are bringing glory to God through the use of our gifts:

• using our gifts to serve one another
• realizing we are stewards of God’s grace

Is it not amazing to realize that the gifts you have are displays of God’s grace to the world? They are meant to showcase His worth, not yours. When we serve one another through His strength, we bring glory to God. If we use our gift in a self-seeking manner, we do not.

Verse 11 reveals God’s goal for God’s distributed gifts – so that “in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.” Allow God’s Word to penetrate your heart as you realign your foundation for serving.

Spend some time reflecting on this question – “What is the goal of my gifts?”