DAY 14| S.H.A.P.E. (part 2)

Yesterday shared how people have different spiritual gifts and passions (heart).
Today, we going to talk about the remaining parts of one’s S.H.A.P.E.

Spiritual Gifts
Heart
Abilities
Personality
Experience

Before we finish this discussion, take a look at what the apostle Paul writes to the church at Colossae:

Colossians 3:23-24
23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.

This passage encourages us to work hard at everything we do because it matters whom we’re doing it for. Check out the brief story below (not original to me) about the value of perspective when working diligently.

Same Job, Different Perspective
A man once walked by a building site and saw three stone masons side by side, sweating over their work in the hot sun.

He asked the first,
“What are you doing?”

          “Laying bricks” came the reply.

He asked the second stone mason,
“And what are you doing?”

          “Building a wall.” came the reply.

Then he asked the third mason,
“And what is it you are doing?”

          “I am raising a great cathedral.”

Glory is that attitude in our life that portrays what we are doing for God is something great and worthy for His kingdom. No matter what you are doing, do it for the glory of God.

Ability

What are you good at?
Your skills can be used for ministry, did you know that? Start by asking yourself, “What am I good at?” I’ve seen car mechanics fix the cars for single mothers, I’ve seen teachers tutor underserved kids after school. One time, a family used their ability to cook to teach teenagers how to make meals while doing bible study together on Sunday afternoons. Once a meal was completed, they would then go and deliver that meal to a family in need or to first responders in the community. Are you a coach? Are you a writer? Are you good at listening to people? Are you good at social media? All these things can be used for the glory of God when we decide to match our skills with needs within our community.

Personality

How has God wired you?
The fourth key factor in discovering your S.H.A.P.E. is your personality. Your personality will affect how and where you use your spiritual gifts and abilities. Here are a few God-given personality traits. Where do you tend to fall on the simple scale listed below:

Introvert 1–2–3–4–5 Extrovert
Prefer routine 1–2–3–4–5 Prefer variety
Prefer leading 1–2–3–4–5 Prefer following
Thinker 1–2–3–4–5 Feeler
Work alone 1–2–3–4–5 Team player
Structured 1–2–3–4–5 Unstructured

It’s important to note that these traits are not good or bad, simply descriptive of how God has wired you. Understanding how God has wired you will help you find a place to serve and to enjoy doing so.

Experience

What lessons have you learned along the way?
The fifth key factor in discovering your S.H.A.P.E. is your experiences – both good and bad.

Family Experience: What did you learn growing up?
Educational Experience: What were your favorite subjects in school?
Vocational Experience: What jobs have been your most effective in and enjoyed the most?
Spiritual Experience: What have been your most meaningful times with God?
Ministry Experience: How have you served God in the past?

The lessons you have learned through your life experience can impact where and how you serve in the future. Sometimes our deepest pain can actually serve as our biggest platform for ministry. Don’t believe me? Think back to a time where you walked through a difficult circumstance. My guess is that the person who comforted you the most was someone who went through a similar situation. Whether it was good or bad, every experience can be an opportunity to help someone else down the road.

What’s your S.H.A.P.E.?

If you would like to know more about discovering your unique identity in Christ, the Purpose Driven S.H.A.P.E. Profile is attached to the end of this week’s devotional workbook.