I was afraid and went out and hid your gold in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you. (Matt. 25:25)
While Sam was in the fifth grade, he drew an outdoor, wintry scene for an art assignment. When he handed it in, his art teacher was astonished at what Sam had produced. At first the teacher could hardly believe that a fifth grader could be so talented and create such a fine piece of art. However, over a period of time Sam’s art teacher became convinced that his young student truly did have a special gift. Sam received many accolades for his artistic skills.
As Sam got older he was encouraged to hone the gift of art that he had. However, when teachers instructed him on how he could better compose his pieces of art he would let their words go in one ear and out the other. Instead of listening to them and learning from them he thought, “I don’t need others telling me what to do. I know what is best without them trying to pollute my style with their ideas.” After a while Sam quit “creating.” His reasoning was, “No one knows what good art is anymore. Why should I waste my time producing paintings they wouldn’t appreciate?”
For the past thirty years, Sam has not produced one new painting. Because he has “buried” his artistic gift, others have been denied the joy of being blessed by his works of art.
Give others the opportunity of being blessed by your God-given talent.
Jim Umf Lo is a professor at Indiana Wesleyan University, cross-cultural leader, intercessor, and author of several books published by Wesleyan Publishing House.
© 2020 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
