Romans 12:6-8

We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. – Romans 12:6-8

In today's world full of leadership books, where everyone should become some kind of leader or some kind of teacher, the other gifts get lost.  They are no less important just lost in what the world says is valuable.

I happen to have the gift of encouragement.  It is a blessing and I'm pretty sure I get it from the way my mother raised me.  A good friend of mine just wrote a book on being a good follower.  Not everyone can lead, someone has to follow.  Someone has to show mercy.  Someone has to encourage the leader.   Someone has to teach and if someone teaches, there have to be listeners.  In all of the talents and work to be done there have to be those who receive it, there have to be those who give it.  One without the other is nothing.  

There is no MORE important talent than the other, all are needed.  I think the most important part of this verse though is in proportion to his faith.  As our faith grows, so do our talents.  I don't have the same amount of faith I had when I was younger.  I have more.  I am more compassionate and can show mercy far more cheerfully now than I did when I was young and trying to keep "laws" and "rules."  I understand the growth process better. I understand the need to be an encourager and not try to be what the world thinks is more important.  I want to do what God thinks is important in me.