A Ukulele in My Hands (1 Corinthians 9:24-27)

Jake Shimabukuro has captured the music and entertainment world by showcasing an instrument that has never before been given the respect of other instruments, like the piano or violin.  In his masterful hands, the ukulele sings and produces music that very few ever thought possible. He has singlehandedly ignited an interest in learning and listening to the instrument.

I recall watching Jake when he was a teenager growing up in Hawaii. Even then, I knew he was something special. But it was only through many additional years of practice that he became the master that he is today. For those who have never heard this amazing talent, here is his landmark YouTube video, which literally introduced Jake to the entire world.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puSkP3uym5k

Jake obviously loves his ukulele. And although he was quite skilled from an early age, it was only through many hours of additional practice that he became the master he is today. In Jake’s words, “I played a lot as a kid. My instrument probably spent more time in my hands than in its case.”

Sometime we see a great athlete or musician and think they had it easy and they must have born with the talent, everything came easy to them. Indeed, that may be the case for many, but simply being born with great talent is not enough. It is simply the starting point and all of them spent many hours honing and perfecting their respective talents.

Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus:not with uncertainty. Thus I fight:not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.
1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Even the Apostle Paul knew the importance of discipline and perseverance when it came to his spiritual life. Paul was a young, brilliant and zealous Pharisee. But once he met Jesus Christ and accepted Him as his Lord and Savior, his real training began. As our Lord stated to Ananias, “For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name's sake.”
Acts 9:16

When you accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, your real training in life begins. Everything you do in this life has eternal consequences! You may have been gifted with a talent but until that talent is put into service for God, it is like a ukulele left in a case, only full of promise.

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.