Are you in (or about to be in) a transition period? Many people around the world are. Such as:
- Enjoyment of “all things summer” as we near the transition to autumn.
- Taking downtime (vacation from work) and getting ready for the next push through the end of the year.
- Children transitioning from one grade or school to the next.
- New jobs and/or new responsibilities.
- Young adults transitioning out of the home and moving onto college, military service, other careers, etc.
- Aging adults facing the new reality that their bodies and minds are not like they were.
- Families coping with the loss of loved ones as they go on without their beloved.
Wherever you’re at today, take a moment to consider what God is trying to teach you, what he’s drawing you toward (or away from), and perhaps most important, the purpose for which you were created. In each of these transitions, there is (or will be) joy as well as suffering, which brings opportunity for growth.
Do you know the reason you were created? The best and most succinct description I’ve read comes from Rick Warren (some of this is paraphrased): “His purpose for your life is to know Him, share Him with those who don’t know Him, become more like Him, and spend eternity with Him. You may choose your career, your spouse, your hobbies, and many other parts of your life, but you don’t get to choose your purpose. The purpose of your life fits into a much larger purpose that God has designed for eternity.”
In Matthew 25 there’s the frequently quoted and discussed parable of the talents which is an excellent metaphor for our lives. The three servants were given money (talents) with the expectation that they would be put to good use and ultimately multiplied. Two of the servants met the expectation and one of the servants buried his talents, thereby not putting them to good use.
so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here, you have what is yours.’ (Matthew 25:25)
This servant was referred to as “worthless” and was cast into darkness. While it sounds harsh, how can we argue with it when the truth has been revealed to us about who we are in God’s eyes, his plan for us, and how we are loved and forgiven by his son Jesus.
What are your God-given “talents” and what actions can you take today to sharpen them and use them for God’s glory? Whatever your transition period, consider this an opportunity to reset, reflect, and use your talents for God’s eternal purpose. I write these words feeling convicted of not using mine to the best of my ability as I feel more like the servant who hid his talents rather than the one who multiplied the investment. While I have work to do, I also know my “conviction” is not a death sentence as Jesus paid the price for my sin. I am forgiven and set free. Transitioned from death to life, the greatest transition of all.
Today’s reading: Micah 5-7; Matthew 25