Day 32. Using What God Gave You

Day 32. Using What God Gave You

In the movie “Amazing Grace,” William Wilberforce has a conversion, a new birth in Christ, and he is uncertain what to do with it. At first, basking in the knowledge of God while reclining on the wet grass seems appropriate to him. He then goes to his childhood pastor, John Newton, and discusses a life of solitude. Newton, former slave ship captain and composer of “Amazing Grace” tells him in no uncertain terms, “Wilbur, you have work to do.”

Still undecided, Wilberforce talked to his friend and future prime-minister, William Pitt, who urged him to stay in politics. This was followed by a group of abolitionists who believed Wilberforce to be their best hope. His passion and gift of oratory made him the logical candidate to take the abolitionist’s case forward.

Wilberforce had not been the best judge of his use of gifts. It took friends and associates to convince him that he was shaped for serving God through politics, not solitude.

Warren makes the points that we must diligently assess our gifts and strive to find their fit with a world in need. We need our own assessment, but he emphasizes that we must ask others. They may be the best judges of our fruits.

Warren also emphasizes that diving in, experimenting, may be the best way to find our fit. And we best not wait until it “feels” right. John Wesley admonished that “Waiting until you feel like it to do good is the enthusiastic doctrine of devils!”

The title for today is to “use,” not just “examine” what God gave us.

Blessings in your service,

Rick