S215P6 – Warnings against foolishness: wasted oil

Pro. 21:20

There is desirable treasure, and oil in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man squanders it.

When a person first starts living for the Lord, he or she will be taught how life changes because of what God gives us.  That moment of justification is about the transformation of the individual and a restoration to the Father.  Although likely not in a self-centered manner, we might first ask ourselves what this salvation means for us.  After all, this is the beginning of many gifts.  We certainly want to know what other gifts God has for us through salvation.  The beginning of our transformation might not take us much beyond ourselves, and I think that is normal.  However, at some point we need to change our focus.  We must realize that everything God gives us is there to be used or paid forward in some way.

One gift which can be misused or wasted easily is the gift of faith.  Those who have the gift of faith will go to God in prayer believing for the most unbelievable things.  Naturally, they will exercise this gift to ask God to move mightily in their own lives.  As they pray and as God answers, they are creating incredible testimonies.  There is nothing wrong with that.  Of course, no one receives the gift of faith strictly for their own benefit.  Beyond the testimony that tells others of God’s goodness and faithfulness, those with the gift of faith must be praying for others.  It would be a waste for that gift to stop at the individual.  Their prayers in faith for God to move miraculously for others is the greater thing.

We can be on the right spiritual path toward eternal life with the Lord and still waste our spiritual gifts foolishly.  The clear waste is not pursuing the gifts at all, but it is just as wasteful to have a talent go unused.  Sitting in complacency knowing that we are saved and not operating in whatever gifts God gives us is simply foolish.  He gives us gifts for a purpose, and those who have the mind of Christ will want to accomplish that purpose.  Gifts unused are work unfinished.  We cannot be wise and faithful if we never pick up our tools and get to work.  Father, help us to discover and operate in the gifts You give us, and help us to love and chase after the fruit of the labor which comes from using our gifts.