Don’t Leave Your Gifts Half-developed Jesus’ parable of the talents illustrates that God expects us to make the most of what he gives us. We are to cultivate our gifts and abilities, keep our hearts aflame, grow our character and personality, and broaden our experiences so we will be increasingly more effective in our service. Paul told the Philippians to “keep on growing in knowledge and understanding,” and he reminded Timothy to “kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you” (Philippians 1:9b NLT, 2 Timothy 1:6b NASB). If you don’t exercise your muscles, they weaken and atrophy. In the same way, if you don’t utilize the abilities and skills God has given you, you will lose them. Jesus taught the parable of the talents to emphasize this truth. Referring to the servant who failed to use his one talent, the master said, “Take the bag of gold from him and give it to the one who has ten bags” (Matthew 25:28 NIV). If you fail to use what you’ve been given, you’ll lose it. When you use what you’ve been given, God will increase it. Paul told Timothy, “Be sure to use the abilities God has given you … Put these abilities to work” (1 Timothy 4:14a, 15a LB). Whatever gifts you have been given can be enlarged and developed through practice. For instance, no one gets the gift of teaching fully developed. But with study, feedback, and practice, a “good” teacher can become a better teacher and, with time, grow to be a master teacher. Don’t settle for a half-developed gift. Stretch yourself and learn all you can. “Concentrate on doing your best for God, work you won’t be ashamed of” (2 Timothy 2:15a MSG). Take advantage of every training opportunity to develop your SHAPE and sharpen your serving skill. In Heaven, we are all going to serve God forever. Right now, we can prepare for that eternal service by practicing on Earth. Like athletes preparing for the Olympics, we keep training for that big day. “They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You’re after one that’s gold eternally” (1 Corinthians 9:25b MSG). We’re getting ready for eternal responsibilities and rewards. That is why I remind you to help Gods gift grow, just as a small spark grows into a fire. God put his gift in you when I placed my hands on you. bible/110/2ti.1.6.nirv I pray that your love will grow more and more. And let it be based on knowledge and understanding. bible/110/php.1.9.nirv Then his master commanded the other servants, Take the $2,000 from him. Give it to the one who has $20,000. bible/110/mat.25.28.nirv Dont fail to use the gift the Holy Spirit gave you. He gave it to you through a message from God. It was given when the elders placed their hands on you. bible/110/1ti.4.14.nirv Keep on doing those things. Give them your complete attention. Then everyone will see how you are coming along. bible/110/1ti.4.15.nirv Do your best to please God. Be a worker who doesnt need to be ashamed. Teach the message of truth correctly. bible/110/2ti.2.15.nirv All who take part in the games train hard. They do it to get a crown that will not last. But we do it to get a crown that will last forever. bible/110/1co.9.25.nirv This devotional © 2014 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
Posted on: Sat, 30 Aug 2014 10:36:40 +0000