A Lutheran does 40 Days of Purpose

These practical applications of SHAPE poke holes in the popular wisdom of church culture. Instead of taking a survey to determine our spiritual gifts in order to select the right ministry for us, we are told to start serving and discover our gifts as we serve. Brothers and sisters in Christ can provide valuable feedback about how God is using us to minister. Honest self-evaluation about how we feel in our ministry is consider important information. Practical resources for a life review retreat are offered.

I read this chapter on a men’s retreat where we are studying the ten commandments. Our primary resource is a Lutheran teacher’s video tape. Warren’s advice, "accept and enjoy your shape," reflect precisely what we are learning about "you shall not steal" and "you shall not covet." The former teaches us to recognize that God distributes what we have to all according to who is best able to share it with the community. The latter reminds us to be content with who we are.

The next chapter is an important balance to the primary point of this one, we are to give God the all of what we are and all that God can lead us to be.

|  Add to del.icio.us |  digg this