“So, did you go to college?”
“Why, yes, I did. I graduated from Harvard Medical College and earned a doctorate in Medicine.”
“Wow, you graduated from Harvard and are an M. D.”
“Yes, I had a burden to help people; my grades were good, and I had the resources to attend that school.”
“I am super impressed. Do you have a private practice, or do you work at a hospital?”
“Neither. I am not working in that field at all.”
“Well, what do you do now?
“I work at Walmart and stock shelves on the night shift.”
The one asking the questions stopped, and his jaw dropped. “Now, there is nothing wrong with working in Walmart, and stocking shelves is an important labor, but the world expects and needs more when one is well trained and experienced. God gave you the ability and the finances to attend that fine school and to achieve such a goal, yet you are not living up to what He has enabled you to do.”
Although the above situation may have rarely happened, all would agree that the character in the above account wasted his abilities and training. Most would shake their heads in bewilderment as to why such an accomplished person would not be in the field he trained for. Yet, many Christians, if not most, have wasted their ability similarly.
Romans 12:6-8 lists seven of the spiritual gifts God gave to every Christian. All Christians have at least one of those special abilities, including prophecy, ministry, teaching, exhorting, giving, leadership, and mercy. Most are given the desire, but God’s training through hardships and blessings better enables a believer to help and change lives with the gifts God has given them.
Read more about the spiritual gifts given to every Christian at
https://www.devotionsfromthebible.com/romans/gods-toolbox/
Unfortunately, most believers do not know they have a unique God-given ability and that God desires them to use it for His glory. The majority are wasting their life and are not doing what the Lord desires them to do.
This world is floundering without godly direction and desperately needs Christians’ help, encouragement, and godly examples. If all of God’s children used their God-given spiritual gifts, this world would be much different.
Christian, you were given a special spiritual gift, so do not just sit and admire it. You were entrusted with it to help others. Make a difference. Use the spiritual “degree” God gave you. The world needs your help— now!
“A Christian should make a difference in this sinfully dark world. He is often the only ‘light’ many will see!” — Bill Brinkworth
