By: Pastor Jarren Rogers

“God’s gift to me is my potential. My gift back to God is what I do with my potential” – John Maxwell

I remember when I was a kid, Native Americans came and did a presentation at my school. All of the students crammed into our tiny gymnasium and listened intently to information about Native American culture. This was all well and good, but what I was focused on was the table full of Native American toys and trinkets that were available for purchase after the presentation. In my pocket was a crisp ten-dollar bill that my parents had given me for this very thing.

When the show had finished, I quickly made my way to the souvenir table. I scanned over what was for sale – drums, arrowheads, small pots, animal skin bags – but my eyes fell upon something glorious and exciting. I promptly handed over all of my money and retrieved my treasure.

A slingshot. I was so excited to try it out that I rushed home after school. I went straight to my backyard, threw off my backpack, and loaded up my slingshot with a nice, round, pebble.

Without a second thought, I stretched the rubber strap back with the rock stuffed snuggly inside and let loose.  The rock launched through the air, but stopped abruptly when it smacked into the side of my dad’s truck with a ping!

I was stunned, to say the least. I was snatched out of my shock when I heard the back door to my house open. I turned to see my dad, who had heard the sound of a small projectile striking the side of his Dodge Ram.

Needless to say, the slingshot was promptly removed from my possession and I never saw it again.

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” (1 Peter 4:10).

With the money I was given for the Native American souvenir table came a whole lot of power. That money was a gift from my parents and I had the capability to use it however I saw fit. Unfortunately, I think we can all agree that I misused the gift that was given to me.

God has given each of us a gift and with it comes the power to choose how you will use it. Will you use your gift to serve Him and others, or will you use it for selfish purposes? The gifts that each of us has are not our own. Instead, we are but stewards of that which God has given us: money, time, abilities, talents, etc.

Will you be a faithful steward of God’s grace?

Parents: Ask your children to name what God has blessed them with. What are their gifts, talents, and abilities? Pray with them and ask God how he can use their gifts for his grace.