“Can you watch the house for me while I go to the beach?” my mother asked. Wait, is this a test? Was she really letting me stay home alone for an entire weekend? Most kids would have plotted wild parties in their heads. Not me. I envisioned staying up until 3 a.m. while watching cooking shows. I imagined eating pizza rolls for breakfast. I anticipated leaving the toilet seat up, using my mom’s wedding China, and dressing my dog up in costumes.
While I was stuck in my imagination, she slid a crumpled piece of paper across the counter. It was a list of responsibilities and rules. I had to feed the animals, clean the kitchen, and check the pH levels of the pool. I didn’t even know what that meant! Her entrusting me came with responsibility.
Someone entrusting you is a privilege and an honor. Peter teaches that God has entrusted you with spiritual gifts. He elaborates, “God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another” (4:10). God gave you gifts to reach His goals. God didn’t give you talents for you to become popular. He entrusted you with gifts to use to serve people. God has blessed you so that you can bless others.
Are you creative? Make art that helps people connect with God. Are you a good encourager? Help someone going through a challenging season. Can you plan a great party? Serve in a small group role, welcoming people and showing hospitality. Are you good at building a social media following? Use your posts to help people grow deeper in their faith and know God better.
Fulfillment doesn’t come in success, salary, or status. Fulfillment comes from serving people.