In the book of Romans, Paul gives an explanation of the variety of gifts God distributes among the members of the church.
Now as we have many parts in one body, and all the parts do not have the same function, in the same way we who are many are one body in Christ and individually members of one another. According to the grace given to us, we have different gifts: If prophecy, use it according to the proportion of one’s faith; if service, use it in service; if teaching, in teaching; if exhorting, in exhortation; giving, with generosity; leading, with diligence; showing mercy, with cheerfulness. (Romans 12:4-8, CSB)
No two people are designed exactly the same by God, and this means even our gifts differ in how they are distributed and applied. I’ve learned to appreciate the special gifts given to friends, family, and myself, but every now and then, I wonder about certain qualities. Our character traits can be gifts as well, but we may need to adjust our attitude in how we see them.
I won’t go into specifics, but lately, I have one quality which has been giving me trouble. I could say it’s a quality God didn’t mean to give me, but really, it’s a quality only God can help me control. This quality can feel like a burden when I’m not using it properly, but when I apply it as God would have me to, it turns out to be a blessing instead of a curse.
Sometimes in work situations, we find we have a characteristic which feels like a burden. Maybe we love order, but it annoys other people. Perhaps we are more casual when others are more serious. Maybe we are too chatty when others like quiet, or we’re too quiet when others prefer communication. We might even be a bit too realistic when dreamers cross our paths so we are the proverbial wet blanket. We may wonder why God made us so different, but that is the time for us to look for the positive side of our qualities.
I used to believe this trait of mine was a liability, but as I have been stumbling through the last month trying to deal with the reemergence of a dormant quality, my creativity has emerged at an unprecedented level. However, this quality makes it difficult for me to reign in my emotions and creativity to use them together. Through prayer, I’m persevering to understand why God has given me this trait and how I can utilize it in a beneficial way.
No matter what our work situation is, we deal with many different personalities, and it’s easier in the long run to learn how to deal with qualities in ourselves and others whether they seem to be positive or negative in nature. How we view a trait causes us to use it in a positive or negative manner. Sometimes, whether it’s in ourselves or someone else, we just need to change how we think about it. Don’t just accept that it’s only a negative quality until you’ve taken the time to examine it in all the ways it can be used.
We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28, CSB)
All Things Subject to Change 