Luke 21:3-4
"Truly I tell you," he said, "this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on."
God has graced each and every one of us with gifts and talents. You may be blessed with a multitude, i.e., athletic, musical, academic, humorous, or you may feel you have only one, i.e., cooking. The amount of gifts and what kind you've received, however, are not what is important. It's how you develop them and use them in service to God and others.
Every talent, innate or not, will lie fallow and unproductive without practice. We must first recognize the gifts we've been given and work diligently to bring them to fruition. Only then can we realize how we can use these to glorify God and bring the joy of His Kingdom closer to others. Talent for cooking? Organize a meal at a local shelter. A baseball champ? Coach a little league team. Musically gifted? Volunteer to sing in your church's choir or assist with the children's choir. I could go on, but the list of talents out there and opportunities to use them are endless.
Never think that the gifts you have been given are too insignificant to matter. The poor widow had little to give when compared to the amount the wealthy could afford without suffering any personal inconvenience. She gave all that she had to God in faith and trust.
When you use your gifts for the benefit of others, remember the poor widow: Give it your all!
Readings
Psalms (83), 34 or 85, 86
1 Samuel 2:27-36
Acts 2:22-36
Luke 20:41-21:4
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I think It is interesting that Christ gives us compelling spiritual lessons which also appeals to our common sense and our civic best interest. When we open our hearts and minds to helping the people around us, we also open up the space needed to develop a relationship with our savior and God.
ReplyDeleteSmall acts of kindness opens our hearts and minds to enormous possibilities.
ReplyDeleteYes, yes, and yes, David! It is that simple act of kindness, caring, compassion for one another that opens doors and opportunities we never thought possible in our lives. We grow closer to God when we give and when we serve.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your insight and wise commentary! If you don't mind, I might quote you in the future, friend!