Is your gift still in the bag?

TODAY'S READING: Romans 12:1-8
I remember several years ago that my dad gave me a video camera as a gift. One of the main purposes of the gift was so I could videotape Matthew. I must admit that I often fall short of what he had hoped for. Our family will have special events or make a special trip and my dad will ask if I videotaped any of it. Often I either forgot to take the camera or simplied failed to get it out. Understandably, he gets frustrated because I wasn't using the gift he gave me.
Do you ever wonder if God looks at us and feels the same way? I believe that is part of what Paul is dealing with here in Romans. He is challenging us to understand what God gave us and respond appropriately. It starts with what Pauls writes in verse one. "When you think of what he has done for you, is this too much to ask?"God has done so much for us and blessed us with so many gifts. But how do we respond? Do we use those gifts for His glory or for our's?
That is a scary question to consider. Are we first and foremost using our gifts for Jesus and His church? Do the ways we use the gifts we have serve the Kingdom of God?
Take a minute and think of the gifts God has given you. To help with that, let me mention the ones Paul discusses here in Romans...
Speaking out for God.
Serving others.
Teaching.
Encouraging.
Generosity.
Leadership.
Showing kindness to others.
Do you have any of these gifts? Or has God blessed you with others? Take a minute now to make a list either on paper or in your head.
Now ask yourself how you are using those to honor God.
If my dad has the right to be frustrated because I am not using the gift of a video camera, how much more frustrated must God the Creator feel when His creation misuses or wastes the gifts He gave us when He made us? Shouldn't we strive to use things the way God intended?
I know that if I get the video camera out of the camera bag and start videotaping my dad will be pleased. Let's dedicate ourselves to getting our gifts out of the bag and put them to work for our heavenly Father.

shine!
Jason