I HAVE LIMITATIONS, BUT THERE IS STILL A LOT THAT I CAN DO

It is a fact that “each of us shall give account of himself to God” (Romans 14:12). Yes, you and I are accountable to the God of heaven for our conduct and how we make use of the blessings which He has bestowed on us.

Sometime members of the church become anxious about their service to God because, when they compare themselves with others in some aspect of life, they feel like they are lacking. Why should we be comparing ourselves to others?! We are not in competition with anyone else who is striving to live faithfully and go to heaven.

As Paul exhorted the saints in Corinth to bring forth the contribution which they had promised to give, he reminded them of this truth: “For if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have” (2 Corinthians 8:11). Brothers and sisters, let us not push ourselves to the fringe of depression because we feel like our talents and opportunities are limited. Instead of looking at what we lack and feeling downhearted, let us look at what we do have and be upbeat about it!

I may not run as fast as Olympic-champion sprinter Usain Bolt, but I can run with endurance the race that is set before me (Hebrews 12:1).

Okay, I may not be a world-class chef, but I can still remember the poor (Galatians 2:10) and provide food for the hungry (Matthew 25:35).

Maybe my name is not listed in a book that identifies the world’s most famous people, but I can have my name in the most important book of all – the Lamb’s book of life (Revelation 13:8). Maybe I cannot sing like opera singers Luciano Pavarotti or Andrea Bocelli, but I can sing with grace in my heart to the Lord (Colossians 3:16).

Maybe my wealth cannot match that of Bill Gates, but I can give cheerfully and bountifully (2 Corinthians 9:6,7).

Okay, I may not be as nice-looking as Rebekah and David were (Genesis 24:16; 1 Samuel 17:42), but I can demonstrate a beautiful spirit (1 Peter 3:3,4) and let my light shine in the form of attractive conduct (Matthew 5:16).

Maybe I will never host a prime minister or president in my home, but I can be hospitable to others (1 Peter 4:9) and “entertain strangers” (Hebrews 13:2).

I may not have the brains of Albert Einstein, but I can show true wisdom by submitting to Jesus (Matthew 7:24,25).

I may not be an eloquent orator like Apollos was (Acts 18:24), but I can open my mouth in a private setting like Philip did to tell others the great news about the Christ (Acts 8:35).

Maybe I am not very skilled at using modern technology, but I can still be skilled in the word of righteousness (Hebrews 5:13).

Perhaps I will never take my children to tour the palace of an earthly king or queen, but I can train them to serve the King of kings (Ephesians 6:4), which is of far greater value. I may never produce over 1,000 songs like Solomon did (1 Kings 4:32), but I can write a few words of exhortation (Hebrews 13:22) and uplift those who are struggling (1 Thessalonians 4:18).

Maybe I do not use my feet as gracefully as talented gymnasts do, but I can use my feet to walk in the light with the Godhead (1 John 1:3,7).

Most likely I will never travel to teach the gospel in all of the places that the apostle Paul did, but I can search for my family members to tell them about Jesus, like Andrew did (John 1:41,42).

True, most of us are in the category of Christians who will never serve as elders over a local flock of God (over 99% of saints are in this group), but we can pray for them and uphold their godly efforts (Acts 20:28-36).

Maybe I never will have the resources to build special living quarters or finance a foundation for those orphans and widows who do not have family members to provide for their needs, but I can make the effort to visit and assist them in whatever way I can (James 1:27).

I may not have much success at raising plants or fruit trees, but I can show the fruit of the Spirit in my life (Galatians 5:22,23).

Each of us is blessed greatly. Rather than focusing on what we may be missing, let us thank the Lord for what we do have and use it diligently for the good of His Kingdom.

-- Roger D. Campbell