Why do we always desire what we do not have?
We do this with possessions, finances, talents, etc.
We even do this in the church when it comes to the gifts that God has given each of us.
We say to ourselves “If only I had that person’s gift I would be a more effective Christian” or “God would be more pleased with me if I just had that gift”.
But honestly, at that point, we’re looking at our gifts through a worldly mindset, which is not how God views things.
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.” – Isaiah 55:8 ESV
I am most guilty of this. Probably because my gifts sometimes go unnoticed and aren’t really lifted up in church.
With my gifts being Serving/Hospitality, Giving, and Mercy; these gifts are usually used behind the scenes.
But just because my gifts aren’t the most glamorous (according to the world’s perspective) doesn’t mean they are unimportant. Because God’s word tells us in 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 that we are all part of the same body and that the body cannot function without each individual part.
In fact in verse 22 it says: “No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary.”
Now this is not to say that you and I can’t desire other gifts and that the gift(s) you currently have are the only gift(s) you’ll ever have.
I am simply encouraging you and myself (more so myself) to find contentment with the gift(s) you have in this moment.
Rather than looking at what you don’t have, look at what you do have! And use what you do have to glorify the Lord in this moment!
Don’t be the servant from Matthew 25:14-30 who is entrusted with only one bag of silver (gift) and hides it from the world until the master returns, and then has it taken away from him because of that.
Rather be one of the servants who invests and uses their gift(s), so that when the master returns he will say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!”
“One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.” – Luke 16:10 ESV
But remember that all of these things done without love are nothing. (1 Cor. 13)
And lastly, I want to leave you with this quote from Oscar Wilde:
“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken”
