A few years back my brother developed the robotic vacuum “Roomba”. He has had an
interest in science since he was a child. Before he could read he would ask Mom to get
science books for him from the library.

We went to a small school. The kind of science classes he wanted to take were not
offered. He had such a passion for physics he continued this pursuit of knowledge with
the help of family and on his own. Finally his gift in this area made room for him at a
university geared toward his interests and on to developing robots.

Recently I had the privilege to observe God-given gifts being demonstrated. This was at an international Teen Challenge training which was held in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. Eight countries were represented by students, teachers and others who had come to help. The atmosphere was a beautiful illustration of I Peter 4:7-11. Particularly where it states …each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.

The variety of gifts individuals demonstrated ranged from teaching, leading devotions,
prayers, worship, preparing delicious meals, cleanup, fixing things that needed to be
mended, appreciating others and having the ability to decorate and bring a room to life.
It was a beautiful blend of people being led by the Holy Spirit. They willingly used their gifts to meet needs and glorify God.

In this setting the gifts were used, acknowledged, and appreciated. The individuals
were given “room” to use them. This may not have always been the case in the lives of
these individuals. Perhaps it could have been like the school my brother attended that
ignored those with certain aptitudes or gifts.

As leaders in ministry let us be sure no gifts are allowed to go unnoticed, ignored or
unused. We must make time to observe those with whom God has surrounded us.
They must be given opportunity and encouragement to develop their strengths and gifts.
As the scripture states in Philippians 2:4 Let us…not look to our own interests but to the interests of the others. Who knows what gifts may be discovered either to help the
ministry or humanity. God gives gifts as He wills, and if allowed, they will all glorify Him no matter if it is robotics or evangelism.

“A man’s gift makes room for him…” Proverbs 18:16