I enjoy participating on several modeling forums, as they’re a great source of information, tips and meeting fellow model builders. There’s always something being discussed- new kits, posting photos of recent builds, how-to’s on just about every subject. One topic that I’ve seen come up regularly is some variation on “what’s your favorite part of a build?”
The discussion always gets to likes and dislikes in a build. Most folks have fairly common answers, a few go in other directions from the majority. No two are exactly alike. I personally like working on the interior of an aircraft, painting the exterior, and applying washes. I don’t like decaling and painting canopies.
I think one common thread is that whatever folks like or dislike is tied to where there talents or skills fit best. I like using my airbrush and brushes, so painting is fun. I never have like scissors or cutting up paper- so decals are not on my like list. Washes are fun because you get to make a mess! Canopies are tedious- you have to cut out a mask of some sort. (More paper and scissors!)
The point is, we tend to like and excel at what we’re best suited to do.
And it’s no accident.
God has created us with wonderful talents, skills and desires. The same skills that we enjoy using in modeling are often the same skills we can use to serve God. They are gifts from Him- and He expects us to use them wisely in service to Him.
The wonderful thing about God is He’s given believers gifts beyond just our talents like painting and building and all of the other things we do that are hobby associated.
Paul described these gifts in Romans 12: 6-8:
6 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. 7 If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8 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.
God gives gifts- spiritual gifts- to believers for a very important purpose- serving Him and His Kingdom.
God created us differently for a purpose. Just as some people like painting canopies while others don’t, God gives each of us spiritual gifts “according to the grace given to us.” What does that mean? Simply put, we’re given these gifts- the exact gifts God has planned for us- in exactly the amounts and areas that we are expected to use those gifts.
We’re given gifts with the expectation that we’ll use them. Use them well, use them often, and use them joyfully- to serve God.
I encourage you to seek God’s gifts for you, because in those gifts, you’ll find how to really fulfill the purpose you were created for. You’ll go beyond serving the Lord. You’ll experience the joy of serving Him as you were intended to. His Purpose, for you. Uniquely for you.