Use It or Lose It by Tana Lemay

Why do we always want what we don’t have?  Some of us may wish we looked different – taller, shorter, curly hair or straight, blue eyes instead of brown.  We dream of bigger homes, immaculate lawns overflowing with lush plantings, sleek shiny cars, or exotic vacations.  Then there are the God-given gifts – longing for the ability to sing beautifully, to teach wisely, to provide hospitality effortlessly, or to give generously.  Why do we spend so much time, effort and energy pursuing the impossible, and as a result, bypassing the possible?

We can find the answer in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3).  Adam and Eve had everything they needed in abundance.  And yet, when Satan pointed out the forbidden to Eve, doubts arose in her about God’s goodness and she longed for the one thing He denied her.  In her longing, she cast aside all she knew about God’s generosity and provision and reached for the forbidden, seeing only its external beauty which hid the evil within.

And so today, we find ourselves doing the same as Eve, forgetting our many blessings and gifts in pursuit of things that won’t satisfy, but only increase our longing.  In Matthew 25:14-30, Jesus shares the parable of the talents.  In this parable He explains that we are to use our talents effectively and in doing so will receive an increase of what He has given us.  Our ability to use our talents will grow as we use them in service to Him.  Likewise, if we don’t use them, they will be removed from us. 

Do you know what your talents are?  Are you using them in service to Him? If you don’t know, ask someone-family, friends, your minister or teacher.  Pray for guidance.  Then step out in faith and do what God has asked of you. 

 ⁶ In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. ⁷ If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. ⁸ If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.

Romans 12:6-8 (NLT)