What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but do not
have works? (James 2:14 NRSV)
If we use our talents to honor God, God will grant us even greater opportunities. Even persons
with limited abilities can succeed if they will give it their all. Just because you have never been
comfortable in front of people doesn't mean that you have not been given the gift of teaching. It is
amazing how many of the world's great orators have had to conquer such impediments as a lisp,
an unimpressive appearance or some other hindrance. Their very determination to overcome their
handicap helped make them great. I am not certain where commitment ends and God's blessing
begins, but a spiritual gift is not necessarily a talent. Availability and dependability are as
important as ability itself.
Look at the people God chose to serve him in Bible times. The towering figure of the first part of
our Bible was an eighty-year-old man who spoke with a stammer. His name? Moses. None of the
men who surrounded Jesus gave any indication of their later greatness. So it is in the church
today. God uses people who are willing to offer themselves and all they have to Him. More
important than our individual talents, or abilities or intellect is the spirit with which
they are given to God.
In what spirit are we using our gifts to honor Christ by sharing his love?
Prayer: God of all gifts, may I have a good attitude when I use my gifts for your service.
Amen.
Written by: Ronald Newhouse, Texas, USA
Tuesday, January 20, 1998