Fields United Methodist Church

Thoughts Along the Way

Pastor Tom Joyce

January 28, 2022

“Well done, good and trustworthy servant; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.”

Matthew 25:21

One of the first hymns I remember singing as a young child begins, “Praise God from whom all blessings flow…” (“The Doxology”) Each of us has been given gifts by God, amazing gifts, incredible gifts, gifts to be used for the benefit of others. Our abilities are unique in that they bring joy when they are used. There are those who are artists and the paintings they create are not only fun for those to create, they bring joy to those who see them. Carpenters build, mechanics repair and rebuild, a nurse uses the gifts of compassion and medicine to care for those who are sick. Though the work can be difficult and tedious, there is satisfaction in knowing someone’s life has been made a bit easier by sharing the gifts that have been given; they are multiplied because once used they enrich not only those possessing the gift but also those who are recipients. But what if the artist failed to paint, the mechanic failed to repair, or the nurse failed to care for those who are sick? Not only has the gift gone to waste, but the gifts they have been given have no value because they have not been used to multiply the joy of those who could have benefited from them. Yet, praise God from whom all blessings flow; when you use the gifts, blessings, you have received from God, you fulfill one of the 2 greatest commandments; to “love your neighbor as yourself.” You have been given great gifts because you have been given great purpose in life. You may not have the gifts of an artist, mechanic, carpenter, or nurse, but what you have to offer will make a difference in another’s life.  Celebrate the blessings entrusted to you and put them to use, to the glory of God. “Praise God from whom all blessings flow”