1 Corinthians 12:4-31 Gifts In The Closet?

1 Corinthians 12:4-31
Every Christian; every member of the body of Christ, has received gifts from God to use for the good of the whole body.

I have heard way too often that when a person retires they will have time to use those God given gifts to serve Him; to serve the church; to serve others. The gifts of God end up being put on a shelf and the closet door shut on them until the person who receives them has time to make using them a priority.

I don't know about you; but, as I age, my ability to use some of the gifts have waned just a bit. I am a bit slower and my ability to serve as many as I once did is not quite as proficient. However, since I have actually used some of those gifts my ability to use them has actually gotten better with practice.

My husband purchased a drone last summer so that he could fly over the forest and lake and take pictures of wildlife. His intentions were to do this with our youngest granddaughter. He had hoped that the gift he was giving her was time with him and the opportunity to learn about a new technology and art form as she likes both technology and art. He convinced her to sit still long enough to help put it together. But, they only attempted to fly it once. It sat on a shelf thereafter. It sat unused until he gave it to our son who also appreciates technology and art. (He's a photographer - John Arthur Photography) The drone is a bit difficult to maneuver; but, he is working on it. Sometimes, it takes time and practice to use a gift proficiently.

The time is now! Don't put those gifts on a shelf. God gives them to us a for a purpose. They are for the common good of the whole body. Use them or lose them! And, thank God that He has equipped you to serve Him according to the call He has called you to.

By the way, in regards to answering the call to serve. Don't bother telling Him no. You're wasting precious time in doing so. He will keep calling. How long are you going to keep telling Him no?

God's Peace - Pr. J

Luke 11:33-36 Hiding the Light

Luke 11:33-36 NIV

“No one lights a lamp and puts it in a place where it will be hidden, or under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, so that those who come in may see the light."  (vs 33)

Some people do. Some people have very valid reasons for hiding the light of man-made lamps.


When I was a teenager, I loved to read. But, my parents were just a little strict or maybe it was that they liked their evenings to themselves. Whatever the reason, I was to be in bed with lights out by 8 p.m.. My remedy was to move the lamp to the closet and sit on a box and read 'till sometimes past 10 o'clock!

During World War II, England had "black outs." Lights were turned out or at least dimmed in order  to make it more difficult for the enemy to navigate to targets by air or sea.

Man-made lights may be dimmed and even turned off. They eventually burn out. But, the light of Christ that abides within us will never be extinguished. ..."let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matt 5:16 NIV)

God's Peace - Pr. J

Proverbs 8 - Wisdom Calls

Wisdom was born as the first of God's work. Wisdom has been around for a long time, even before the earth was formed. So it might appear that wisdom comes with age. It often takes experience (sometimes bad experiences) to receive her. But, not always as sometimes those with many years behind them, refuse to listen to wisdom, themselves.

Proverbs speaks of Wisdom as though she were a person. Wisdom calls out to us, pleading with us to hear the truth that she would speak. Hear it and listen. Listen to Wisdom and choose her instruction over fortunes of this world. Wisdom is much more valuable than the material things of this world. Wisdom is more valuable than popularity or fame.

There are days when I feel like I am butting my head up against a wall when it comes to imparting wisdom to those who follow after the false gods of gold and silver - of things. Yes, I am concerned that they are following after false gods. But, I am also very concerned and heart-broken because I know where this love of "things" and "self" will lead them. It will lead to troubled and unhappy lives as their false gods demand more and more and they have less and less time and energy to enjoy the gifts that God has already given them. "Use it or lose it." They will lose the gifts that God has given them. Not, so much because God will take them away. Rather, because the gifts will decay or be put on a shelf in a basement or closet where they can no longer be found for use.

Wisdom calls out. "For those who find me find life and receive favor from the Lord. But those who fail to find me harm themselves; all who hate me love death.”  (Prov 8:35-36 NIV)

Wisdom calls out. Listen to her and live life.

God's Peace - Pr. J