Early on in our marriage, I told my wife Janet I wanted a remote controlled (RC) airplane. I love flying and had a Cox control-line plane when I was a boy (wish I still had it – an antique now). Back to the RC Plane. Somehow, Janet scraped up the money and got me a RC Plane for Christmas. To make a long story short & sad; I never took it out of the box and ended up selling it in a garage sale. Not a great move in marriage & not a wise use of a very nice gift.

This morning I was reading in Romans 12 again (I’m reading it over & over this year) and today verse 6 really got my attention. “Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly…” (Romans 12:6 NASB)

As I meditated on this passage and those around it my mind recalled the RC Plane. I wonder how many times we take the GIFTS God gives us and treat them like I did that plane. Not only did I fail to use the gift Janet gave me; my putting it on the shelf was actually offensive or at least hurtful to her. Yes we worked through that and have a great marriage; celebrated our 35th Anniversary on July 16th. But I still remember that story with a sense of sadness & regret.

As I thought about the GRACE GIFTS God gives every believer, I wonder how often we grieve His heart when we fail to use those gifts well. We also miss out on the blessing of JOY. Had I taken that plane out of the box and flown it, it would have brought me great joy and would have brought Janet great joy to watch me. Even if I made a mistake and crashed and burned – there would have still be times of joy in using the gift. I believe God gets great joy & glory from our wise use of the grace gifts He’s given us…..and I know when I use those gifts well – I’m blessed with incredible joy.

Regardless of how God has gifted you, use your gift well. Don’t set it on a shelf and let it collect dust. Don’t sell out for something of far less value. USE YOUR GIFT WELL and be a good steward of God’s grace in your life.

As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. (1 Peter 4:10 NASB)

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen. (Revelation 22:21 NASB)