“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.” -1 Peter 4:10-11
Tim King is the owner of a construction and remodeling company in Illinois. Usually, he works on projects away from family, but recently, he helped his parents remodel part of his childhood home. Tim is now 53 years old. His parents have been living in the same house for almost five decades. After living in the home for such a long time, things needed refreshing.
They had begun the demolition of the master bath. Among the many things that needed to be replaced was the drywall behind the sink. When they removed the drywall, Tim found a long-lost part of Christmas. Buried between the 2x4s and drywall was a Christmas present that had been missing for 46 years. The present was wrapped with Tim’s name on it. He was excited to find a hidden gift he could open all these years later.
Tim asked his parents if they knew anything about it, but they did not. Their best guess was that they used to hide gifts from Tim and his sister in the attic. This one must have fallen into the wall and was left undiscovered all this time. Tim excitedly opened this gift in front of his family. He was like a kid all over again. It was a set of Matchbox Thunder Jets, now vintage in the box.
Although this story has a fun and happy ending, it made me think about the importance of using our gifts. God has given us talents, passions, and gifts to use. These are intended to bless others, strengthen the church, and share Christ with the world. A hidden, unused gift is good for no one. We must choose to use the gifts that God has given. Today is a good day to start. When we do, we will share God’s love and bring hope to the world.
Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
