1 Timothy 4:14a – Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you. (NASB)

One of the most treasured gifts I own is a wall clock which was given to me by my mother when I moved into my very first apartment. Throughout my life, this battery-operated clock has been my companion as I have moved; it has survived for many years. Unfortunately, about three months after settling into my current home, the clock stopped working. At first, it appeared that all it needed was a new battery. However, after I adjusted the hands, it suddenly quit operating. This time, it seemed to be finished for good. So I thought, After all, it is too old. Everything must come to an end …

Four years later, my old clock was still hanging on the wall — nice to look at, albeit non-functioning.

Recently, I decided to take the clock down to see if I could get it repaired. A young man assisted me to take it off the wall. As he took the clock down, he noticed that the hands were touching each other. Once he straightened them out, the clock began working perfectly — it was that simple! What followed was a boisterous laugh between us.

This experience helped me to realize how easily we can get sidetracked by the every-day circumstances of our lives. Thus, we overlook important opportunities to serve the Lord.

1 Peter 4:10 – Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. (NIV)

The solution to getting my clock to work was a simple one. I suppose that it is not much different in our spiritual lives. If we fail to function properly or stop working altogether, the answer is always quite simple: surrender our lives and allow God's Spirit to work in us. We might be amazed how God uses our time for His glory.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we come to You with thanksgiving in our hearts for the time that You give us each day. With guidance from the Holy Spirit, assist us to manage our time as we use our gifts to bring honour and glory to You. In the precious name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

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