Yesterday was our local, monthly ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) meeting. If you live in the eastern part of South Carolina, or if you'd like to join us via Zoom, we'd love to have you! This month's meeting began with a devotion, followed by prayer requests and prayer. The bulk of the meeting included discussing a beach writer's retreat next spring, new officers, and a Question and Answer period. Other months, we host a guest speaker. This year's topics have included a Zoom with a bestselling author about the spiritual side of writing, "5 things an Acquisition Editor Likes to See" with an actual editor, critique sessions, and more. Just email me at Christinasinisi@gmail.com if you'd like more information.
Now, to the devotional side of things. Yesterday morning, during my quiet time, the first question on the page asked, "How does 1 Peter 4:10 indicate we should use our gifts?" The answer is, "to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace." Verse 11 goes on to state that we should use our calling to glorify God.
Just a few short hours later, one of our ACFW members chose (you guessed it) 1 Peter 4:10 - 11 to read and focus on. As writers, especially Christian writers, our words should be used for his glory. Even if we don't publish a book or become a best-seller, even if we don't have thousands of followers, our purpose is to further His mission and to glorify Him.
I left that meeting inspired to write more, and to serve. I injured my hand last week and it's been difficult even to type (still is). But I can and I will.
Ephesians 4:11-16 lists some of the gifts God gives his people. These include prophesy, evangelizing, teaching, and serving. Verse 16 states that, "From Him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work."
The meat of the matter is that God has gifted each of us with abilities, talents, and opportunities. It is up to us to do our work, no matter how big or small. My injury is to my right pinky finger (I cut myself slicing potatoes on a mandolin without a guard, yes, I feel dumb). But it's a little finger, not that important, right? Huh/think again. I find it hard to type, write, drive, and more.
Bottom line, you are important and you are needed. Your gifts are crucial or God wouldn't have formed you. Now, don't you forget it.
PS. Have you ever stopped to just appreciate the beauty of Paul's words? I hadn't appreciated his gifts as a writer before now.
PPS. Since you probably won't want to brag on yourself, please share some little (or big) thing someone has done for you lately that made a difference. I'll go first--this past week, a lady at my church wrote me a thank you note for a shower gift (customary) and for watching her daughter in the church nursery (often taken for granted). It made my day! And then a student wrote me an email thanking me for inspiring him to work hard. :)
Have a blessed week!