Everyone Is Professional At Something

Comparison kills.

We must be careful of dismissing our gift by desiring someone else’s gift. God has gifted each of us with a unique set of skills. Our talents and abilities are part of defining who we are and how God can use us to build His kingdom.

How do we evaluate our work? Let me begin by saying it is not by comparing ourselves to everything and everyone else. It is done by comparing ourself with ourself.

When a teenager finds their purpose, it is special. When young people see their design and begin to live in that purpose, we will see the next generation leave its mark on American Society.

Here are two ways we can help teenagers find their purpose and to know the gift that God has given them:

Self-discovery

Take a look at your life and write down the kind of things that you love to do. Take a look at your life and write down the strengths that you think you have.

And then take a look at this list. This list will accurately define what your gifts are.

Have I reached my potential? Have I done everything with everything that I have been given? The clearest analytic to determining success begins with self-analyzation to the obedience we demonstrate to God’s call on our life.

We treat ourselves differently than we treat everyone else don’t we? Especially as it relates to our spiritual lives. The problem with that is simple. We allow thoughts, attitudes, and actions into our life that we would call unacceptable in another person's life.

I’m sure you realize it is much more difficult to lead yourself than it is to lead others.

Self Leadership is much more important than leading others. I think you would find it much easier to lead others if you led yourself well.

Analyze yourself. Not others. Good leadership happens with great assessment and measurement. Do a little mid-course correction right now by asking yourself these questions:

•How do you feel about the work and the ministry you are doing?

•What are areas of improvement for your personal life?

•Are you focusing on improving your gift and not worried about how others use theirs?

•What is a practical way you can improve the gift God has given you?

The evaluation of our life is not easy but it is very important. Yes, evaluating our mistakes and losses is painful. And yet it is also more valuable than we can know.

Strength-finding

Every one of us is a professional at something.

What are your strengths?

Too often, young people do not recognize their value or their place in the world. We must help this generation discover their natural and spiritual gifts.

When an adolescent discovers their strength, it is a beautiful thing to watch. Purpose really is inspirational.

Here are some important questions that can help you strength-find:

•What do you really love to do? That may be the easiest way to discover your gift. Your strengths are something nobody else has.

•What does your family or close friends say about your strengths? Ask the people who know you best.

•How much time do you spend on your strengths? What activities are you doing to shape your strengths? It is better to spend more time on your strengths than your weaknesses.

We should become elite at our strengths because that design is what sets us apart from everyone else. And we probably have more passion for our strength than we do our weakness!

One final way to find your strength is to speak with a mentor or coach.

Who is your university?

Who is your Nathan (editor in chief to David)? And who is your Jethro (wisdom to Moses)? Is there someone you would like to be buried next to? How often do you meet with them? Call them? Who is your Barnabas (encourager to Paul) or your Luke (administrator of the disciples)?

We all need help to become everything God has called us to be.

Finally

Discovering your gifts is revolutionary.

Be assured that every one of us has a special purpose and design. Our creator placed in each one of us a unique DNA that brings great purpose to our life. And it doesn’t take much effort to find your place in the world.

Seek the honest answers to these questions and apply these principles to your life. And you will discover the great sign for your life.