As a child my parents had aspirations for me, as do most parents for their children. I was encouraged to play the piano accordion and was given music lessons. As I progressed, I was able to play at concerts and I was able to join a piano accordion band. However, for a youngster there were so many more exciting things to do than to practice music. As a result my music teacher became frustrated with me and after a while I stopped having music lessons. Today I am sorry that I gave up; I have lost a great deal of my ability to play the piano accordion.
In both the parable of the Talents (Matthew 25) and the Minas (Luke 19) Jesus makes the statement, “I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away”. In other words Jesus is saying, “If you don’t use it, you will lose it”. Although the parables are different in many respects, and were told on different occasions, they both make the point that we have been entrusted with resources and abilities of which we are to be good stewards. These things entrusted to us are our time, our talents and our treasures.
In our church there are many talented people. Some have the wonderful ability to intercede on the behalf of other members. I know a couple of women who cook food that is better than that at a restaurant. We also have talented musicians and singers, but these are not the only people with talents. Each one of us has been given resources and abilities by God, which He intends for us to use to build up the Body of Christ and to glorify God. “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” (1Peter 4:10, 11)
God has gifted each of us differently. Though I learnt to play music I was not musically gifted; I only played the notes very “mechanically” from the sheet music. In time I found my God-given gift, and now I enjoy using it. In using the abilities God has entrusted to me, together with further steps forward, the opportunity opened up for me to preach the gospel clearly illustrating Jesus’ words “to everyone who has, more will be given.”
Do you have a gift, talent or ability that you believe God wants to use in His church? Speak to me or one of the elders and we will be glad to talk about finding you niche in the Body of Christ.
This Sunday:
09:15 An inter-active study on “Sharing your faith”. Please join us as we learn how to introduce a gospel conversation, make a biblical gospel presentation, and disciple a new believer.
10:00 Church Prayer Meeting
10:30 Worship Service: sermon, “Knowing God’s purpose for your life”, Romans 12:3-8; followed by a time of fellowship.
Your friend and pastor,
Bruce