What is the most valuable gift you have ever received? That could mean the gift of the highest monetary amount but not necessarily. It might be a gift of great sentimental cost. Or a gift that brought you immense joy. What is the most valuable gift you have ever received?
Have you thought about it? Do you know what it is?
Now imagine you never opened the gift. What would have happened? No doubt you would have missed the significance of the gift, the treasure it represents, and the joy it brought. But more importantly, had you refused to open the valuable gift, you would have rendered it worthless. The gift only had value to you because you chose to open it.
Did you know that God has given you a gift of incredible value? God makes clear to us that through the power of the Holy Spirit we have each be given a very valuable spiritual gift (1 Corinthians 12:11). Everybody gets one. Not everyone has the same gift. No one has all the gifts. We don’t get to choose which one we get. And we are to use our gift to help others and bring glory to God (1 Corinthians 12:7).
Have you thought about it? Do you know what it is?
Perhaps it’s the gift of hospitality or service. Or it could be a great adeptness to lead or teach. Maybe it’s the gift of mercy or healing. You might be exceptionally skilled at administration or craftsmanship. Whatever it is, because it comes from God, it is a gift of great value. But if the gift is never opened you miss the significance of the gift, the treasure it represents, and the joy it brings. More importantly you are robbing God and others of the gift you have. If you negate to open the gift, you render it worthless.
So, go ahead…open it!
Ryan Smallwood