This entry comes to us from Ashlyn Harrington, a sophomore Education Major.
Something that I have been reflecting heavily on recently is using my gifts from God to serve those around me. Sometimes it can be difficult to have the bravery to put them on display for the world to see, but in 1 Peter 4:10 we read that as Christians we are called to use our gifts to serve others as faithful stewards of God’s grace. Now in that context, Peter was referring to spiritual gifts, such as healing or prophesy, but the idea that we should bless those around us can still be carried over into our individual talents and gifts. God does not give us anything for our own benefit, but instead to use our gifts to serve others and him.
If you thought that your talents were for you to be successful, you’ve missed the whole point. We are frequently told by society to not be boastful of our gifts, but remaining humble doesn’t mean that we should ignore our talents. If we weren’t meant to use them, they never would have been given to us in the first place. Rather, we are called to use our gifts to serve others and be served by them. We are all made for a unique purpose, with each person’s gifts varying significantly. This is a WONDERFUL thing! We were made uniquely, because together we make up the Body of Christ. Paul compares this to a human body, in which each of us plays a distinct but important role. Maybe you’re an arm, a vein, or a toe: All are important, but need a head (Jesus) to guide them. This means that everything we do directly points back to him, including the use of our gifts. Maybe you were given strength like Samson, beauty like Esther, or maybe you’re just really good at making frozen pizzas. The gift itself doesn’t really matter, but how we choose to use it does. So use you gifts, even if they don’t seem big or important!
With Easter right around the corner there are so many ways
to start practicing. Paint a picture for your mom to give to her as an Easter
present. Help your grandma cook the ham. Have an epic dance battle with your
little cousins to keep them occupied so their parents can have a nap. Help your
brother pick out an outfit to wear to church, because you know he’s not great
at matching. Sing in the choir, or if you aren’t quite there yet, sing your
heart out with the rest of the congregation (God doesn’t care if all the notes
are right anyway). In Matthew 25 it says that if we strive to use our talent
for the glory of the kingdom, we will be given many additional gifts to be
shared, but those who do not use them will lose them, and they will be given to
someone else to praise the Lord. There are so many opportunities coming up
where you can share God’s glory, so take advantage of it, and continue to use
your gifts to serve those around you not only in the Easter season, but
throughout the entire year.
On behalf of everyone at Mission and Ministry, have a blessed, fruitful, and prayerful Holy Week. May you find solace, hope, fortitude, joy, and strength in the mystery of Christ's Passion, Death, and Resurrection.
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