Use to Develop not Develop to Use

Hey y'all!!! Today's topic is using your gifts. Many times as Christians we tell non-believers they do not have to "get right" before turning their lives over to God. Turning to God will get you right. It's the same with our gifts God has given us. We don't have to master and sandpaper our gift before using it for God. Using it for God will cause it to be mastered and sandpapered.

I received this revelation attending Bible Study at Engage Church. The topic was stewardship and Dave Plettl did a great job speaking. He came out of 1 Peter 4:10-11.

10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

~1 Peter 4:10-11 (NLT)

He pointed how the scripture said use and not develop. You do not have to perfect your gift before you use it. Just use it. As a journalism student I have been told several times the only way to get better at writing is to write. As hard as using your gift may seem it's just that simple use it. Ask God to direct you and He will show you how to use your gift. If you don't know your gift. Ask God to reveal your gift to you.

Another thing about your gift. Use your gift before it is taken away from you. After Plettl spoke we broke up into small groups focusing on the Parable of the Three Servants in Matthew 25:14-30. Many people know it as The Parable of the Talents.

One servant received five bags of silver, another two bags, and the third received one bag of silver. The servants with five bags and two bags of silver both doubled their bags. The other was afraid to lose his bag and buried it in the ground. No matter how big or small you think your gift is; use it.

We don't let our cars, appliances, or food sit without use 24/7 365. Once that happens they become no good and we have to throw them out. Think about what happened to the servant who did nothing but bury his bag of silver. He was thrown out. 

If you're not using anything God has given you, how can He use you? 

Let your light shine!!!

That Wednesday my mindset changed. I love to write and help people. My writing is actually a tool for me to help people. It doesn't matter if I'm not the most popular blogger. If only 10 people read my blog I'm content. This blog entry may be the encouragement someone needs. It's important for me to use my gift so God can use me to reach other people. This blog will help me become a better writer. Again the only way for me to get better at my gift is to use it. Sometimes I think helping people includes money. There are times when I can help just by praying for someone or being a listening ear. And of course being obedient by posting a blog entry lol. I will not sit around and say, "Lord I can't help anyone because I don't have any money." What I will do is ask God what message does He want me to write and how I can help others.

So don't try to perfect your gift before you use it. Go ahead and began using your gift in whatever way you can. If it's singing join the choir or the praise and worship team. Baking? Start baking for family functions or maybe a camp. Do something for God's glory!!! After while you will see the growth. Besides as Plettl told us,

"If you don't use your gift, you're leaving a blank in someone's life."

Relax, Relate, Release,

~BreAllyse