Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy . . . Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress.1
Back in the days, I enjoyed playing Mahjong with my friends. Compared to them I was a novice; yet I enjoyed the banters and teasing that went with it. Recently, because of the isolation Mahjong has been a form of Sunday entertainment with Stella, my wife, and our 2 young adults. Jemimah insists that we play with a Joker. Something new to me. While playing I didn’t realize that I wasn’t mindful of what the Joker was. When I looked up and saw the assigned Joker, only then did I realize that I had two. After re-adjustments, it only took a turn to win the game. Had I played being blind-sighted, I would have missed the advantage.
The seemingly uneventful glitch served as an epiphany. I gleaned 3 lessons from it.
1. Prioritize the Important. Be intentional. Be mindful. Seek to learn more. Lean your ears to hear. The Hebrew word Shema2 means to hear. And it forms a basic tenet of the Christian faith. “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children . . .”3 I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently find me.4
2. Pray For Eyes That See. There was a time that Syria was warring with Israel. One morning, Elisha’s servant was alarmed that they were surrounded by an army with horses and chariots. Elisha said, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” Then Elisha prayed and said, “O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see.”. . .5 Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, . . .6 I have to have eyes that see beyond my circumstances. Understand that God is control. But Jesus answered them, “My Father is working until now, and I am working.”7
3. Practice the Use Of Your Gifts. What is that in your hand?8 “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. . . . whom I created for my glory, . . .”9 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.10 To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.11 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. . .12
We have been entrusted with gifts to steward a message of hope. Thus, as we abide in Jesus and are given the grace to obey him, we have the responsibility to faithfully spread the good news.13 Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.14 Persevere! And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion. . .15
Notes:
1. 1 Timothy 4:14-15
2. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Shema
3. Deuteronomy 6:4-9
4. Proverbs 8:17
5. 2 Kings 6:8-23
6. Proverbs 29:18
7. John 5:17
8. Exodus 4:2
9. Isaiah 43:2-7
10. 2 Corinthians 5:17
11. Matthew 13:11
12. Ephesians 1:3-14
13. John 15:1-17
14. 1 Timothy 4:16
15. Philippians 1:6
