Daily life with Jesus by Grahame Howard: Don't waste the gift and talent God has given you

"Also He said to them, “Is a lamp brought to be put under a basket or under a bed? Is it not to be set on a lampstand?22For there is nothing hidden which will not be revealed, nor has anything been kept secret but that it should come to light. 23If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear." Mark 4:21-23 NKJV

Obviously, this piece of scripture is being taught by Jesus to remind His people not to hide their spiritual gift away. The person who has a special gift needs to be using it for the good of the body. It is seed and seed is meant to grow.. Therefore, when a person uses their God-given gift, they are sowing seed to build people up, and also to reach out to the lost.

However, not everyone is given the gifts of being a pastor, teacher or evangelist but, they do possess other gifts that they may have hidden away because they feel they are inappropriate to God. A question - who says they are inappropriate? Has God said this?

I doubt if He has. If He has given a person a gift that can bring joy and happiness to people and also share Jesus with them, shouldn't they be using it instead, of hiding it away under the bed?

What about music for a starters? Is it wrong for a Christian man or woman who have a great talent for music to use this for God? I'm not just saying in the worship band at church but, out in the world. Many well known music artists are Christians and although they may play secular music at their gigs, they may also fit in a Christian one which may open the heart of the listeners and even though there will not be an altar call at the end of the evening, the person/s who have been touched by God can take this away with them and they may be changed.

Then there is the art world. Art can be spiritual too, God has inspired many good pieces of work from Christian artists and people who view this work, or even buy it, may be inspired by what spiritual love it has taken to create it. In our world today, there are many Christian people who may not follow the traditional Christian life by attending church, home groups etc. And yet, their faith and their love is amazingly deep and they use this in their work for God. They read their bible, pray and enjoy close worship with Jesus, the difference is, they don't have fellowship with others very often. Is this wrong; you decide?

The thing is, we're all different and they may do things differently but, they are still serving God; they haven't hidden their talent away but, are using it to the full.

Does this mean that everyone should stop going to church and follow their own heart and gifting? Absolutely not. The majority of Christians will and should follow the traditional route of attending church. However, if a person is called to use their gifting and talent elsewhere, that should be ok for them too.

A final word, have you a gift or talent that you have been hiding? What you do with this is obviously your choice but, ask yourself what is God's choice for you - to hide it away or find an opening to bring this out?

If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer right now

Lord Jesus, I have sinned. I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today. In Jesus' Name. Amen
dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com

If you would like to contact me, grahame.howard@hotmail.co.uk

Member of the National Association of Christian Ministers
Why not order my Daily Commentary from Amazon - Paperback or Kindle Check it out. Just tap on Grahame Howard books.

If you would like to contact me email grahame.howard@hotmail.co.uk