God’s Gifts Have Purpose

As an avid fan of the TV hit the” Golden Girls”, I tend to recall comical anecdotes to everyday situations that were explored on the show.  In a Christmas episode, the girls decided to exchange handmade gifts that they personally created for each other.  Rose, notorious for giving impractical, useless gifts, gave Dorothy a wooden maple syrup spigot.  Dorothy’s sarcastic remarks in contrast to Rose’s anticipation provided a comical moment that the show’s staying power has been built on over the years – but I digress (LOL). As she received this odd gift, Dorothy said “Thanks Rose –this will really come in handy when I find myself in the middle of the forest with a stack of pancakes!”  We’ve all been there but have probably handled these situations more tactfully.  To avoid offending the person giving us the unwanted gift, we graciously accept it and admittedly, we either re-gift, temporarily keep it or store it away.

Thankfully, the gifts that we receive from our Heavenly Father all have purpose. These gifts are meaningful as they unwrap our purpose and calling on earth.  They are living gifts that require our cultivation so that they are able achieve their ultimate potential.

2 Timothy 1:6: I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God

Only in doing this, can we can truly realize God’s personal will for our lives and become the light that we are called to be, by sharing it with others.

Matthew 5:14-16: You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

As children of a loving Father, we were all created with special gifts and talents that should be treasured.  If you haven’t discovered your gift or talent, that does not mean you don’t have one. You are no exception! It took me more than 33 years to discover mine and more than 2 years of soul searching and seeking God specifically on the matter.   I had a strong desire to fulfill God’s personal will for my life and I prayed intently to realize my calling.  If you haven’t discovered your God given gifts, I would encourage you to truly seek Him and to also do your own self evaluation.   If you have unwrapped your gifts, I would encourage you to invest in them, to diligently nurture them and to use them for God’s glory, for the edification of others and for the spreading of His Word.

Suggested Reading (as you reflect on the special gift that God has given you!): The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30; Luke 19:12-28)