Use it or lose it.

Use it or lose it.

use-it-or-lose-it-1

Whenever I need help around the house, some work done in the yard or a partner to travel with, I have a true friend in my son Micah. He is normally willing to do the tough stuff and always willing to travel with his dad.  Every family member will tell you that he is fun to be around. Even though he has at times a sarcastic sense of humor, he is always willing to pitch in and help regardless of the time or circumstances. The things I like most about him are his attention to detail, critical thinking abilities, and his desire to do things well. That’s why when I have to rearrange, reorganize, or make sure things are just the way they are supposed to be, he is my first choice. His focus is to get things done exactly the way I want them. I also admire his ability to dream big. He doesn’t place limits on life and I believe that will eventually take him wherever he wants to go. He has truly become someone I enjoy working and playing with.

As is typical of a young man, he has ambitions and is willing to work for what he wants. Also, as is typical of a young man trying to find his way in life, there are at times too many options, most of which don’t seem to fit. Micah is no different than most of us — we normally choose the path of least resistance. For example, if a job opportunity presents itself paying a decent wage, then you take it “until” the perfect one comes along or until you are better positioned in life. The truth is that most of us get into ruts we struggle to get out of. So the end result is that we spend more time doing something to get by rather than doing what brings us joy and fulfillment.

The key for all of us is to focus on what brings joy and satisfaction.  So, we must ask ourselves: “Why do some things bring joy and satisfaction?” The answer is that we are good at them and they exemplify a talent God endowed us with. They are a desire of our heart. In Matthew 25:14–30 you will find the parable of the talents. In the story the first two servants used what was given them to improve their state. Because of that, they were rewarded with even more. However, the last servant did not use his talent and eventually had that taken away due to a lack of initiative or perhaps a fear of failure. This story suggests to me that each of you must show initiative, be bold, and step out with the talents you have been given SO God can bless your efforts. As I read this parable, I do not see any place where the master told the servants what to do with their talents — that was up to them. I think they, like you, are simply being tested to see IF you will use what God has given you. If you do, then you become a good steward of the talent. If you don’t, as the scripture puts it, you lose your value.

I realize that risk scares some of you and that oftentimes the risk seems greater than the reward. However, the question I must ask you is this: “If God has given you a talent or special ability, why would He do that and not (at the same time) expect you to use it to enlarge your capacity?” You must ask yourself if you are undermining your value by ignoring what God blessed you with. Is it really a risk to use what you have been blessed with? I would suggest there is little risk because God specifically designed that as your unique differentiator. I suggest it is wicked, very wicked to keep your talents and abilities to yourself, decrease your personal value and not enhance the lives of others. You must decide.

Love,

Dad

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *