Gifts, Skills, and Stewardship

Image by Pixabay 

    When I was fifteen, I discovered Michael Morpurgo: the master storyteller. The movie War Horse had recently been released and my mother suggested I read the book since I have always been interested in horses. After reading War Horse (one of my favorite books of all time), I began reading any Michael Morpurgo book I could get my hands on, which was sometimes difficult given he is a British author. Only a selection of his books is offered at American bookstores and libraries.

    There is a good reason Morpurgo is known as the master storyteller because his works are engaging and emotionally impactful. Even now as an adult, I continue to read his stories and find that they appeal to children and adults, both male and female.

Lessons from a Farmer and Sculptor

    Recently, I came across Morpurgo’s short story Muck & Magic, an enchanting and heartfelt story about friendship and discovering one’s passion. Bonny is determined to be a professional bike racer until she stumbles upon a farm during one of her rides across the countryside. She falls in love with the horses and even starts a job mucking out the stalls for the lady who owns the farm. Little does she know that these events change the direction of her future as she discovers a passion for sculpting. Lizzie, the lady who owns the farm, trains Bonny since she is a professional artist and sculptor.

    When watching Lizzie craft together a sculpture, Bonny compares it to magic. However, Lizzie corrects her and gives wise advice: “No, Bonny. Not magic. It’s a given thing, a gift from who knows where, who knows who, but once you discover you have it, whatever the gift is, it’s not to be wasted. You have to learn to believe in it, work on it. Don’t waste it, Bonny. Don’t ever waste it. Life’s too short to waste it” (Morpurgo 48). What Lizzie tells Bonny reflects the truth of what God tells us. He gives us all skills, gifts, and resources to use as stewards. We are wise not to waste these gifts the Lord gives us, even if we don’t understand how we can make a difference.

The Bible and Stewardship

    Jesus told His disciples a parable about servants who were given various amounts of “talents,” or money. Two of the servants faithfully doubled their talents, increasing the amount to give to their master at his return (Matthew 25:16-17). However, one of the servants decided to bury his talent instead of investing it to make more (Matthew 25:18). Upon the master’s return, he commended the two servants who had used their talents wisely but rebuked the servant who buried his money (Matthew 25:19-28). In the end, the wicked servant was thrown out of his master’s presence into the darkness (Matthew 25:30).

    We should use our resources wisely and faithfully. Everything we have comes from Him and we should use what we have to help others and glorify the Lord. We should not waste what we have or “bury our talents.” As Lizzie said, “Life’s too short to waste it.”

    The Holy Spirit has given us all spiritual gifts to build up the church (1 Corinthians 12:7; Ephesians 4:11-12). We also have skills that we can refine and enhance to use for God’s glory. Even if someone thinks they have nothing to offer, God can use them. He can use those who work in construction just as much as He can use artists and musicians. He can use gardeners, teachers, pastors, doctors, waitresses, scientists, and cooks. He can use anyone for His glory. We just have to be willing to give all we have to Him.

A Call to Use our Gifts for His Glory

    As someone who lives in the Western world, in the United States, I know that it is tempting to take many of the things I have for granted. Here, I have clean water, a house, access to education, and the ability to work. So many people around the world do not have these privileges or the necessities of life. Instead of using my resources, gifts, and skills to serve myself, I should seek to help others and impact the world around me for Christ. My life is far too short to squander what I have been given to serve my own selfish desires.  

As long as we do not waste our skills and gifts, the Lord can use them for His purposes.

 

Works Cited

Morpurgo, Michael. Muck and Magic. Candlewick Press, 2020. 

The Bible. New International Version. Zondervan, 2001.