Tag: Talents

Use it or Lose it?

I don’t know about you, but I have often heard the phrase, “use it or lose it”. It has been used in the context that we are given certain things and it is our duty to use them as they were intended and if not, then they will not maintain in the coffers to use (ex. Talents, budgeted funds, grocery supplies…).

There is one area in which it will not be lost and that is in the area of the grace given by God. Once we have accepted the gift of grace and salvation from God it is not lost if not used. Although there may not be a designated universal use identified, there is a use and that is for each individual to understand through their relationship with God. I will say that even though it is not lost, it is our responsibility to use the gift of grace and salvation for the glory of God. And in doing so, it will only grow stronger and more ample as we move forward.

“6For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, 7for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” — 2 Timothy 1:6-7 (ESV)

Paul reminds Timothy that he has been blessed with the gift from God, and his responsibility it to grow that gift into something greater and use it for God’s glory. I can see here Paul speaking to me as well. I have the gift of teaching and it is my responsibility to continue growing that gift, day over day and be the lifelong learner of how I might build on that which I have been entrusted. I have to “fan into flame” the Word of God through the gift I have been given.

Now, let’s go back to the question that is the title my writing this morning, “Use it or Lose it?”. Well, the gift of grace and salvation from God that is given and accepted is not something that is lost without use, so the short answer is no. I will say that even as we may not lost our grace and salvation, it may be muted for others to see if not used on a regular basis. I am going to take a detour into the world of sports for a moment to provide an example.

I recently watched a video of an older basketball player who, in his own right was pretty talented. He had a good career and was regarded as an all-star at times. In this video which was from several years after his retirement, he was not in the same physical shape as he was in his playing days. He was much heavier and as you watched was a bit slower in his steps. But, as you watched with open eyes, what I saw was the talent he possessed. I could clearly understand why he was a pro player. He was clearly more talented than those he was playing with. He had lost a step, yes, but the talent was still there and you could see that the only thing missing was the age and the lack of continued use of the skills.

No, I am/was not a spectacular basketball talent at one time. What I am is a child of God who has been given and accepted the gift of grace and salvation. Along with that gift, I was also granted the talent of teaching. I have the responsibility to continue growing that talent and use it for the glory of God or else run the risk of it being muted and only flashing up in videos for those with a keen eye to notice, much the player I described earlier. I have to “fan into flame” the talent so that even as I grow older it is still widely seen and regarded for the glory of God.

What is your talent? Are you neglecting it and running the risk of it being muted and missed by the vast majority of those you come in contact? What if you used it continually and worked to “fan into flame” that talent for the continued glory of God and as the example for others?

Mercy is a Gift/Talent

God has graced us all with gifts and talents that are to be used to His glory. Some of these are known and are very visible to the outside world. Teaching, speaking, praying, singing, athletic ability are some of those that when mentioned I know that I can see them in my minds eye in people that I know. These gifts and talents are used by the individual, not for their own selfish gain, but to bring glory to God. Teaching to bring knowledge and growth to others that they may not have received based on their current station in life. Singing to bring joy to the life of another that finds themselves in a difficult spot. Displaying athletic ability and yet remaining humble and reverent as an outward demonstration of God’s glory and not self-aggrandizement.

There are other gifts and talents that are not so visible to others.

“6Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; 7if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; 8the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.” — Romans 12:6-8 (ESV)

Serving others, exhorting the LORD, leading others, and providing mercy. I do not see these gifts on the regular, although that does not mean they are not happening. In fact, these gifts and talents are sometimes seen as weak and inconsequential, until someone needs them. Service for instance is one that is great in the eyes of God, yet those who serve are often taken advantage of and expected to do more without reward. Leading others using the love of Christ is viewed as weak and soft in the eyes of some and those who lead this way are often overlooked those who are more demonstrative. Mercy is one that we are all to provide as instructed by Jesus, yet those who provide mercy in the world are often considered lacking toughness.

All gifts and talents given by God are useful and necessary to bring glory to Him. Where we are all to take these actions to bring glory to God, some are gifted in those area and I have to remember to be on the look out for them and celebrate those gifts and talent with those who are displaying them.

I read somewhere once before and believe if wholeheartedly, “if you see something you like, recognize it and you will see more of it”. I have to remember that with the gifts and talents provided by God. I have to see more of those gifts and talents that are provided by God and recognize them as being great. When I do, those displaying the gifts and talents will be more inclined to do more of the same with confidence knowing that they are indeed doing the work of God using that which He provided them.

What gifts and talents do you have? Are you seeing gifts and talents in others? What if you were to see the gifts and talents of others and recognize them to lift up those demonstrating them, no matter how insignificant they may seem?