Use it or lose it

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. (1 Peter 4:10)

Mother Teresa said, "If you can't feed a hundred people, then just feed one." Most of us don't feel extremely talented or gifted, but we can take on small tasks that make all the difference in our hurting world. Whatever gift you have received is for the purpose of serving others. No matter how small, use that gift in service for others and see how God will bless it in grand ways.

God isn't after the 'grandiose' in us - he is after the obedience or what we refer to as 'faithfulness' in each of us. My dad always used to quip, "Use it or lose it". It was not bad advice! Use what you are given or lose out on what God intended or purposed for that 'gift' within you. I don't make perfect woodworking projects, but I enjoy blessing others through whatever talent I have. I may not be a published writer, on the top 100 list, but I enjoy using the talent God has given me - even if it helps just one.

Leo Tolstoy reminds us, "Joy can only be real if people look upon their life as a service and have a definite object in life outside themselves and their personal happiness." The object - Christ. The service - whatever you are gifted at doing. It may be baking - so bake. It could be singing - so sing. It could be keeping company with someone - so be there. No gift is too small, no impact without return. What 'gift' have you been discounting as 'not worth much'? It could just be that God is challenging you today to pick it up, dust it off, find a way to use it to bless others, and then keep on using it. Use it or lose it... Just sayin!