By Pat
Do we use the gifts God gave us wisely, in the way in which He intended for them to be used? I have to say in honesty that I probably don't, and it shames me. Sure, sometimes I do. But is that good enough?
Several chapters in Exodus describe the construction of the temple and the ark, the alter and the making of the priestly garments. And although God's instructions for each item were very concise, everything was carried out to perfection from the curtains to the tabernacle to the perfumed anointing oil. God's plan was carried out successfully because the talents needed to complete God's plan were used obediently. (Exodus 36:1).
Can you imagine how efficiently things would operate if we each used our gifts and talents in complete obedience, seeking God's will for them? And yet oftentimes, rather than to put our talents to their proper use, we do what is easiest. Or worse, we do nothing. We use our circumstances as an excuse to delay putting our talents to their intended use, or maybe we simply procrastinate due to laziness or fear of failure. We hesitate to step out of our comfort zone sometimes.
But yet God's word is clear that if we trust Him and seek Him we cannot fail, and His plans will be carried out perfectly if we operate as we should and use our gifts and talents properly. We are all part of Christ's body. The body only works perfectly when each part is doing it's job, from the heart to the pinky toe. So I will make a concerted effort to seek God's will. I will ask Him diligently to reveal to me what my talents are; not what I THINK they are, but what He KNOWS they are. And I will step out of my little boat and trust that God will show me the way to use them to further His kingdom.