Because perspective matters when it comes to success, opportunities and the difficulties of of life.

Roses are beautiful, but the most spectacular ones have thorns. It makes sense. Something as exquisite as a rose needs some protecting, for though lovely, they are delicate and vulnerable, and need some safguarding from grasping hands which might clutch their blooms without thought or heed.

I recently led a leadership strategic planning day and instead of the tried and trusted SWOT analysis (strengths/ weaknesses/ opportunities/ threats) was asked to run a similar but not identical Rose/ Buds/ Thorns exercise, where you explore what is deeply pleasing about what you are presently doing (the roses), what potential or opportunities are waiting to be grasped (buds) and what difficulties are being faced (thorns). The group responded really well to it, and some very constructive discussion was backed by excellent decisions. It was a valuable time.

It struck me that this is not simply a good exercise for organisations, but that it’s also helpful for individuals. I like it because the framing is essentially positive. It’s the fine balancing act between the beautiful, the possible, the vulnerable, the sharp and the difficult. It normalises that all are present. It’s so easy to look at the thorns and not to notice all that is still beautiful and possible.

True story

I was around 7 years old and had just got my first two wheeler bike – yes, I know kids now get them at about 2, but there was a different financial climate back then. My friend Lynton was helping me learn to ride and would faithfully run behind the bike holding it up with his one hand. Getting short of breath he suddenly stopped and I was alone, riding the two wheeler with immense pride.

And then I saw them – a full bed of Christ Thorn flowers, you know the ones with pretty red flowers but seriously savage thorns. I couldn’t stop myself from fixating on them. The more I told myself to steer away the more I felt magnetically drawn to them – I have no idea why. And yes, I crashed right into them. I still wince when I think how many of those thorns went into my hands and knees. They were beautiful flowers, but they sure knew how to defend themselves. Ah the parables you learn when you are 7.

Back to today…

How would you answer someone who asked what are the roses, buds and thorns in your life? Think about it…

It is always good to start with the roses

Or to put it differently, to start with gratitude. It’s the Phil 4:8 principle – whatever is good, whatever is lovely, true, good, noble, right, admirable – think about these things. It’s a choice we make – the conscious decision to notice and affirm the beautiful, because that then sets the tone for everything else. It is clear that Paul expects us to find many things to think about. You shouldn’t have to wrack you brain extra hard to find something to fit the bill. Be quietly confident. Even in difficult seasons, there is much that is beautiful. Observe it, celebrate it.

And then there are buds

The little bits of potential that surround us. You can never be certain with a bud. It may of may not flower into full bloom. It’s far more likely to if it is noticed, protected (just a little), and allowed to flourish. It’s the “what’s there waiting to develop” conversation. It could be a new skill to learn, a challenging task to accept, a friendship to develop. Each bud is a gift – a possibility – a sign of hope. 

Paul again frames it well when he instructs Timothy to fan into flame the gift that was within him through the laying on of hands (2 Tim 1:6). The bud was there – now Timothy needed to fan it into flame. And so should we.

We finish with the thorns

Not because they are the last word, anything but. Reminded of how much is good and lovely, and of the gifts that God has placed in our orbit, we soberly look at the thorns, and accept their challenge to cherish the roses and buds which they protect. Because in a strange way, our difficulties are protective – they strengthen us, teach us resilience, and invite us to put our trust and faith in God.

For to quote Paul one more time, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength” (Phil 4:13). And lest you (or I) forget it, it is “through Christ” – not without Him – that this is possible.

And here is an Amen and Amen to that.

Article supplied with thanks to Brian Harris.

About the Author: Brian is a speaker, teacher, leader, writer, author and respected theologian who is founding director of the AVENIR Leadership Institute, fostering leaders who will make a positive impact on the world.

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Scripture Union NSW CEO Jim Wackett shares practical advice for understanding God’s Word and growing in faith.

Jim Wackett says the Bible is best understood as a library of books that together tell one great story.

“It’s a library of 66 books,” Jim said.

“It’s a mixture of history, law, biography, poetry, wisdom literature and letters.”

While those books cover a wide range of genres and time periods, Jim believes they all contribute to one overarching narrative.

“They all form part of one great narrative arc that tells the story of humankind’s sin and brokenness and the way that God has sought to reconcile Himself with humanity, particularly through His Son Jesus.”

Start with Jesus

One of the most common mistakes new readers make is starting at Genesis and attempting to read straight through to Revelation.

While that approach works for some people, Jim recommends beginning with Jesus.

He calls it the “Star Wars approach”.

“Start with the story’s great hero first and then go into the hero’s backstory,” Jim said.

For new Christians, Jim recommends:

1. Start with the Gospel of Mark.
2. Read the Gospel of Luke.
3. Continue into the book of Acts.
4. Then begin exploring the Old Testament.

The Gospels present the life, teachings, death and resurrection of Jesus, while Acts tells the story of the early church and how the message of Jesus spread throughout the world.

Every story in the Bible ultimately points towards Jesus.

Understanding the Old Testament

Once readers understand the story of Jesus, Jim believes the Old Testament becomes much easier to understand.

From Noah and Abraham to Moses, David and the prophets, many of the Bible’s major figures point forward to the coming of Christ.

Jim recalled a line from The Jesus Storybook Bible that has stayed with him over the years:

“Every story whispers His name.”

While the Old Testament contains remarkable stories, it also highlights humanity’s need for a Saviour.

The stories of Genesis, Exodus and the historical books help readers understand both the human condition and God’s plan of redemption that ultimately finds its fulfilment in Jesus.

Don’t read the Bible alone

While personal Bible reading is important, Jim encouraged new Christians not to treat studying Scripture as a solo activity.

He compared it to joining a gym.

“You can go into the gym by yourself and try and work it all out, but it really helps to have a coach or trainer who can show you how things work,” he said.

In the same way, experienced Christians, churches and Bible study groups can help readers understand difficult passages and provide valuable context.

Reading with others also creates opportunities for discussion, encouragement and accountability.

Helpful tools for beginners

For those looking for practical ways to get started, Jim recommended the YouVersion Bible app, which offers reading plans, multiple translations and guided studies.

Bible reading plans can also be helpful because they break larger sections of Scripture into manageable pieces and focus on particular themes, topics or books.

Taking the first step

For those feeling intimidated by the size or complexity of the Bible, Jim’s encouragement was simple: start with Jesus and keep going.

Understanding the Bible takes time, but every chapter contributes to the bigger story of God’s relationship with humanity.

For many Christians, reading Scripture becomes not just an exercise in learning, but an important way of growing in faith and understanding the God revealed through its pages.

Article supplied with thanks to Hope 103.2.

Chris is the host of Hope Drive, bringing light, uplifting stories and thoughtful conversation to listeners every afternoon. Chris initially studied science before diving into an IT career before following his life-long passion (talking!) and joining the Hope team.

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Their purpose and how to use them

When most Christians think about spiritual gifts, the first question they ask is, “What’s my gift?” But what if that’s actually the wrong question? The truth is, the gifts of the Spirit are often misunderstood, and serve a far greater purpose than we realise.

What if the real meaning of these gifts has been hiding in plain sight all along?

Dr David Jeremiah gets to the very core of this idea and explains that every believer has been given a spiritual gift, and that gift was never meant to stay hidden or unused. The question is not whether you are gifted. The question is how you are using what you have already received.

The Gifts Were Never Meant for You

When it comes to the gifts of the Spirit, we tend to ask, “what is my gift? What am I good at? How does this fulfil me?” But Scripture takes us in a different direction.

Dr Jeremiah explains that spiritual gifts are given “to profit all.” They are designed to strengthen others, not elevate ourselves. “When people use their spiritual gifts within the church, they bless us with those gifts.”

In other words, your obedience becomes someone else’s encouragement.

What Happens When You Don’t Use Your Gift of the Spirit?

We often think receiving and using our gifts are an optional extra. An added bonus here and there to please God. But this is not the case. When a gift is left sitting idle, something is missing in the body of Christ.

If your gift is meant to build others up, then not using it leaves a gap where strength, encouragement, or truth should be. Someone misses out on what God intended to give through you.

There is an old saying that Dr Jeremiah quoted: “Use it, don’t abuse it, or you will lose it.” Spiritually speaking, a neglected gift loses its impact. But when it is used faithfully, it becomes a channel for God’s work in other people’s lives.

Why Gifts of the Spirit Don’t Make You “Spiritual”

Dr Jeremiah pointed out an excellent yet daunting truth. “You can be greatly gifted yet still not walking with the Lord.”

The church in Corinth is the clearest example. They were rich in spiritual gifts, yet spiritually immature. Their lives did not match the power they displayed.

That is a warning for all of us. Spiritual gifts are tools, not proof of holiness. They are meant to point beyond us, not draw attention to us.

The “Specialist” Mistake

Some Christians assume that if they don’t have a particular gift, they’re not responsible for that area of ministry. Scripture says otherwise.

James 1:22 says, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” While some are specially gifted in certain areas, all believers are called to live out the basics of the Christian life. The gifts amplify obedience; they do not replace it.

As Dr Jeremiah puts it, “Just because you don’t have the gift of evangelism doesn’t mean you can’t share the gospel with somebody you love.”

The Real Goal: Bringing Glory to Jesus

The ultimate purpose of the gifts of the Spirit is not church growth, personal identity, or even helping others, though all of those are part of it. The final goal is the glory of Jesus Christ.

As 1 Peter 4:11 puts it, “If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God… so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.”

Every gift, whether visible or quiet, points in the same direction. When it is used rightly, it draws attention to Him.

How Do You Discover Your Gift of the Spirit?

If the gifts matter this much, the natural question is: how do you find yours?

Dr Jeremiah outlined a practical path to follow:

• Investigation: Learn what Scripture says about the gifts
• Involvement: Start serving where you are
• Interest: Notice what you are drawn to
• Introspection: Look for where God is using you
• Input: Ask others what they see in you

He shared how “you cannot steer a parked car.” Growth happens when you step out and serve, not when you wait for perfect clarity.

A Life That Gives Back

There is a simple way to understand the gifts of the Spirit:

Your gift is God’s gift to you. What you do with it is your gift back to God.

That is the hidden truth many of us miss. So be intentional, step out and see what happens. Spiritual gifts aren’t ultimately about discovering your potential. They’re about participating in God’s mission. As you faithfully serve where He has placed you, He delights in using ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things for His glory.

Article supplied with thanks to Vision – a non-profit, follower-funded Christian media ministry taking God’s Word to every corner of Australia and beyond through broadcast, online and print media.

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