To the one who has, more will be given. (Mark 4:25)
Many experts agree that exploring alternative energy
sources such as wind and solar power is very important for the world’s
future. At the same time, the world still has vast untapped resources
that can be used right now. For example, Brazil and Venezuela combined
have the potential to produce over six hundred billion barrels of oil.
And the United States could produce an estimated 2.3 trillion barrels.
But these resources will remain unused unless we can find a safe way to
bring them out from under the ground.
Jesus has some very
important things to say about untapped resources as well, but he’s
talking about the resources within us—our gifts and talents. Much like
the earth’s resources, they were given to us for a reason: they were
meant to be used and not kept “under a basket” (Mark 4:21). But there
are a couple of remarkable differences between our resources and those
found in nature. Oil will eventually run out, and there are some places
where we shouldn’t go drilling to get it. But there’s no limit on how we
can use our gifts. In fact, the more we use them, the more they grow.
The more we give out, the more we have to give!
Some of us may
not realize the awesome potential we have for building the kingdom of
God. Or we may wonder if we are using our gifts to the fullest. If you
need a little inspiration, think of those whose service to God has made a
big difference in your life—not necessarily Mother Teresa, but your
neighbors and friends who do so much with the skills they have. Your
parish, small group, or Bible study wouldn’t be the same if they weren’t
making their own unique contributions.
Today, let’s praise and
thank the Lord for the gifts that these people are to us. Let’s also ask
him how we can shine our lights a little more brightly today. God has
called each of us to shine in different ways, and each light does
something to scatter the darkness in the world. Joined together in
Christ, we can become a glorious source of renewable, spiritual energy!
“Lord, you have given me so much. Help me to use all that I have to bring glory to you!”
taken from wau.org