Use it or Lose it

Nº 341

February 18, 2025

Not to use our gift is an affront to God’s wisdom, a rebuff of His love and grace, and a loss to His church. We did not determine our gift, deserve it, or earn it. But we all have a gift from the Lord, and if we do not use it, His work is weakened, and His heart is grieved. - John MacArthur

George Washington’s grand estate, Mount Vernon, had fallen into disrepair. Sixty years after his death, mismanagement, neglect, and the ravages of time left the venerable mansion and grounds dilapidated and deteriorating.

In 1859, a group of ladies – alarmed that this historic treasure would soon decay beyond restoration – raised the astounding sum of $200,000 and purchased the mansion and 200 acres. For 165 years, the Mount Vernon Ladies Association has managed the estate, with ongoing preservation and restoration projects. Every year they provide inspirational and educational experiences for a million guests.

Neglect will always lead to disrepair. It is true with mansions, and it is true with our spiritual gifts as well.

Paul warns his young friend Timothy, “Do not neglect your gift which was given to you through a prophetic message” (I Timothy 4:14). Timothy’s gift was special and significant, but we all receive gifts we should employ as we serve God.

Our spiritual strength atrophies from disuse; neglecting our gifts will only lead to decline and ineptitude. Mount Vernon needs ongoing attention and care, but valuable activity keeps it in better condition than decades of disuse.

Exercise your spiritual gift today and avoid the problems that inevitably accompany neglect.

Excelsior,

Dan Bolin

Author & President