I belong to a writer's critique group that meets monthly and have been writing for that for the past couple of years, but writing about the faith I live by is not as simple. There's a fine line between sharing and preaching and I sometimes cross it. I'm not a theologian nor a seminary-trained pastor. Still, the Christian faith requires an understanding of scripture and I share insights I have gleaned because I know I am not unique to faith's challenges.
It's somewhat cathartic for me as I write, so I will press on with my blogging and put it out there for folks to read or skip over. It's important I use the gifts I have been given while I am able-bodied and mentally capable.
Using the gifts God gives us is both a joy and a vital part of the Christian faith. Indeed other faith traditions incorporate that concept as well. Every person is created in the image of God and has been given qualities that are intended to be used for the betterment of humanity. I never discount someone's help just because we don't share the same faith. I'll go so far as to say some Christians aren't all that eager to get their hands dirty in the Lord's work.
I hesitate to use the word "requirement" as a compelling reason to use your gifts. Yet we should consider the truth that the Church is made up of individuals who should be working toward the same goal: Reconciling people. Broken relationships litter the world's landscape and we are called to go and bring healing through our own relationship with God. It is a terrible loss for the ones who don't see the need to sacrifice for others. Yes, boundaries are needed to ensure we are not unduly drained, but Jesus drew the circle wide. His servant heart demonstrated to those who claim him as their own how we are to make the most of our days in this world, this temporal fleeting life.
King David prayed God would teach him to number his days and I'm confident that is a prayer we can all pray and believe it will be answered. Our days count. What we do for others counts. Scripture says we will all give an account to God. It doesn't matter if you think your gift is small. Use it fully. It was given to share with a hurting world. It matters not if we are wealthy or poor. Male or female. It doesn't matter where we call home. Jesus said to go into the world. So go we must.
I will use, to the best of my ability, the gifts I have been given in the days I have left, fervently hoping to hear the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant." I pray that is the only reward I truly seek.
