Designed to Serve

Tuesday - August 31st

Scripture to Read Today: 1 Peter 4:1-11

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Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others,

as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms.

1 Peter 4:10

The great violinist, Nicolo Paganini (1782-1840), willed his marvelous violin to Genoa -- the city of his birth -- but only on condition that no one would ever play the instrument. It was an unfortunate limitation, for the violin is made of a specific kind of wood that shows little wear as long as it is used and handled. As soon as it is set aside or abandoned, it begins to decay. It was designed to be played.

Paganini's exquisite, mellow-toned violin continues to decay. It has become worm-eaten in its beautiful case, valueless except as a relic of the great musician's life and talent. The disintegrating instrument is a reminder that a life withdrawn from all service to others loses its meaning.

Jesus said that "to whom much is given, much is required" (Luke 12:48). We are held accountable for what we have. Therefore, God expects that if He blesses us with talents, wealth, knowledge, time, and other resources, we will utilize them to honor Him and help others.

1 Peter 4:10 says, "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms." Whatever gifts, talents, experiences, and abilities God has given us need to be used for Him. Whatever we have been given must not be wasted. God blessed us with them to be used - not squandered.

The sad story of Paganini's violin serves as a reminder to all of us. We must grasp the importance of using what was designed to be used. God gifted you to serve. Are you using the gifts He has given you?

We are to use, not waste, the gifting God placed in our stewardship because He designed us to serve.