Use It or Lose It

by Janice R Newman

Generally, the phrase “use it or lose it” means that if you do not use a particular talent, skill, or ability, you may lose it over time. Whether it is physical, mental, or cognitive ability, professional skills, or creative talents used if you don’t practice, utilize, or maintain a talent you will become less proficient at it or forget how to do it altogether. If you lose the talent or ability, you may not be able to relearn it or gain it back. It becomes dormant over time, then, you lose it.

We are all given various talents and abilities by God for a reason, and it is our responsibility to use them to glorify Him. When we use our talents and abilities to please God, we are fulfilling our purpose and contributing to the greater good of humanity. God wants us to value, use, and increase our talents and abilities, or He would not have given them to us.

Jesus teaches in the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:14-30 (NKJV), about a traveling man, who delivers his goods and wealth to three servants with a different number of talents: “One he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each accordingly to his own ability; and immediately went on a journey” (25:15). Talents were a form of money; it also means our talents and abilities that God bestowed us. The assumption was they would produce an increase in the talents He gave, while He was gone.

Jesus continues that when the Lord returned to settle the accounts, the servants with five and two talents doubled them. He rewarded them and said, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant’ (25:21). However, the one with one talent “…was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground” (25:25). He reaped no increase or fruit of labor. The Lord was displeased and said he was wicked and lazy because he could have at least received interest. Something beats nothing! Because he did nothing with his talent, it was taken away, and he lost it!

The parable teaches us that God has given each person unique talents, abilities, or skills and that we are responsible for using them to the best of our abilities. We should not waste our talents and abilities, but instead, use them to serve God and others. We should invest our talents to multiply them and achieve greater success.

Three ways you can apply this:

• Identifying your talents and abilities. Make a list. Not everyone may have a clear sense of what their talents are or may not have had the opportunity to develop them fully. They are often closely tied to our passions and purpose in life, and using them can bring a sense of fulfillment, satisfaction, and meaning to our lives.

• Practice and develop your talent and abilities. Look for opportunities to practice your skills and improve your performance through taking on new challenges, in a hobby, or engaging with the community utilizing your talents to benefit others. Continuously learn to hone your talents by attending seminars, workshops, reading, and collaborating with others.

• Utilize your talent and DON’T HIDE THEM. Finding ways to use your talents to fulfill your purpose and serve others, improve their lives, and make a difference in the world. Don’t hide your talent because of fear of failure or success, self-doubt, lack of confidence or opportunities, or negative experiences.

As Christians, we’re called to serve and love others and to use our talents and gifts to help others to build up the Kingdom of God, while giving glory to God. This is also a way of expressing gratitude for the blessings we have been given. When we use our gifts in a way that honors God, we acknowledge that everything we have comes from Him. Y? Why Not! www.ywhynot.com with some justice that the property reflects normal wear and tear and that you were not promised real estate perfection.

Question: I have just put up a new privacy fence -- and paid for the whole thing. And now a friend tells me that my neighbors may have been responsible for some of the cost. Is this true?

Answer: You put up the fence on your property. You selected the height and style. Your neighbors, if they like fences, are the beneficiary of your kind gesture. Someone we know told us before putting up a fence on their property they went to the neighbors and asked them to chip-in. And they did.

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