Gifts

"To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds:- Daniel 1:17 (NIV).

We are not to neglect the gift God has given us (1 Timothy 4:14). Our gift came with a responsibility tag; the gift is be used for its designed purpose. Being a good steward of God's gift, we are to use it to serve one another (1 Peter 4:10). Putting our gift up on the proverbial shelf, either to be admired or to gather dust, is a woefully bad decision. We will each be held accountable for how we utilized His gift. Even if we are thankful and acknowledge He gave us the gift, if left unused, God will call us disobedient and lazy! (Matthew 25:26). Then our gift will be taken from us and given to someone who has demonstrated their obedience in gifts (Matthew 25:28). Use your gift: if prophecy, if service, if teaching, if encouraging, if generosity, if leading, if acts of mercy...in proportion to your faith, use them (Romans 12:6-8). Your ears will not hear rebuke; instead, "Well done, good and faithful servant" (Matthew 25:23). 

“Christians who understand biblical truth and have the courage to live it out can indeed redeem a culture, or even create one. This is the challenge facing all of us in the new millennium.” 
― Charles W. Colson, How Now Shall We Live?