Good Gifts

Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 31:8; Matthew 28:20

“I’m not going to sing in the choir at school anymore,” announced Shiloh when she got home. “The kids all laughed when I missed notes at rehearsal today. I’m never going to sing again!”

“But you love choir!” said Mom. “And God gave you such a lovely voice.”

“I don’t care,” said Shiloh. “I’m not going to let myself look silly!”

Mom slipped a beautiful ring off her finger—the one Dad had given her a few weeks before to celebrate their wedding anniversary. She held the ring out toward Shiloh. “What would you think if I left this ring in its box and didn’t wear it anymore?” she asked.

“Why would you do that?” asked Shiloh.

Mom sighed. “Mrs. Knapp and Jude were here today, and Jude said my ring looked just like a plastic ring he got from a gumball machine. I don’t want people thinking my ring looks like a silly gumball machine ring! If I just keep it in its box, no one will criticize it.”

Shiloh laughed. “Jude’s only three! He doesn’t know anything about rings. Your ring is beautiful! And if Dad sees you not wearing it, he’d be really disappointed. He worked hard to buy you that ring!”

Mom looked at the ring. “So you think I should enjoy the gift your father gave me and not worry about what anyone says about it?” she asked.

“Yes!” said Shiloh.

“Well, our heavenly Father gives us gifts too,” said Mom. “And He doesn’t want us to hide them away either.”

“Oh, so that’s what this is all about!” said Shiloh, throwing up her hands. “You’re trying to show me that God gave me a gift to sing, and I should use it no matter what other people say.”

“That’s exactly right,” said Mom. She slipped her ring back on her finger. “When I use this ring the way your dad intended me to and wear it, I’m able to enjoy it—and others are too! And God wants you to use the gift He gave you. So don’t quit because you missed a few notes—keep singing so you can bless others with the gift He gave you and bring Him glory.” – Corrine Canavan-Fifield

How About You?

Are you using your God-given abilities? Did you read today’s Scripture passage? The talents in those verses are different from the abilities God gave you, but the principle is the same. Don’t stop using the gifts God has given you, even if others don’t always appreciate them. Keep working to develop your talents and abilities so you can use them for His glory.

Today’s Key Verse:
James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above. (NKJV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Use the gifts God gave you