Taking God's Gifts and Wasting (Ezekiel 16:17)

When I was a medical student, I had an opportunity to work with a famous missionary physician, Dr. John Dreisbach. He and his wife, Bettie, were working in Micronesia. I was there for a 2 month period, doing family medicine. Dr. Dreisbach, an orthopedic surgeon,  was already well known in the Christian missionary circles as a pioneer in the treatment of leprosy in Africa. Over many years, he built several hospitals and developed innovative surgical techniques to assist his leprosy patients. I once asked Dr. Dreisbach why he entered the missions field and he matter of factly stated, “This is what the Bible commands us to do.”

You have also taken your beautiful jewelry from My gold and My silver, which I had given you, and made for yourself male images and played the harlot with them.
Ezekiel 16:17

In this passage, God, through the prophet Ezekiel, warns the Israelites how they have taken God’s gifts and perverted and wasted them for their own purposes. God wants to bless us, far beyond what we could imagine or comprehend and the gifts that He has given us are for one purpose alone, to bring glory to Him. Whether we serve God with our gifts on the missionary field or at home with our family, we serve God, not for ourselves and not for our gain. Some of us are gifted with education, receiving advanced degrees in law, business, or medicine. Others have physical gifts exhibiting dexterity in art, music, carpentry, or plumbing. Still others have the gift of service and hospitality. Whatever the gift, God has allowed us to redeem the time wisely to further develop these gifts and using them to bless others to advance His kingdom.

Have you taken the gifts that God has given you and redeemed them wisely? Or have you squandered His blessings for you and perverted them for your interests and gain?

For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.
Luke 12:48

The Holy Spirit reminds us that our time on this earth is limited. God, through His mercy, has given us gifts and time to bring glory to Him. Examine your heart and ask God to enable you to wisely use the gifts He has bestowed upon you.

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