I was talking with our youngest son Isaac today. He is smart, accomplished, and has several talents that he shines in. However, he sometimes steps back rather than forward, and I’ve been encouraging him that God doesn’t want him to hide his light under a bushel. (Matthew 5:15). He can inspire and encourage others when he chooses to stand up and shine in who and what he carries.
I believe that not only Isaac but each of us has something valuable to bring to the world and that we can all make a difference in other people’s lives by what we carry within us. As a famous poem says, "We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God; your playing small does not serve the world. There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine as children of God. We were born to manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us. It’s in everyone. As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we’re liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others. (Marianne Williamson)
There are thousands of people just waiting for someone to teach, inspire and connect with them, and often all that needs to happen is for us to take what we have in our hands and heart and share it with the world. Isaac has the opportunity by simply being himself and sharing it, to inspire his generation and to encourage those older than him that the future is in good hands. It's not just Isaac, however, who has that opportunity, but all of us when we acknowledge and value who we are and what we carry.
Whatever it is that you can share with others, God has blessed you with that ability so that it can increase and be used to make a difference. He says, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (Luke 6:38)
Today think and pray about what you have that you may be able to give and share with those around you. What are you good at and have a skill in? What knowledge can you impart to someone else? How can you make someone else’s life better through your connections or what you have?
As you value the gifts within yourself, they will invariably become valuable to someone else. One gift shared, one person encouraged and inspired, one person given a helping hand. Multiply that over and over, and you’ll change the world!
“One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, and comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” (Prov 11:24-25)
“Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:15 MSG)
Prayer: Lord, please help me recognise my gifts and abilities and value them within myself more so I can freely share them with others. Please use me to make a difference in someone else’s life today. In Jesus name Amen.
Comments