The Lighthouse Keeper
There is an old story of a lighthouse keeper, who is given the job of keeping the light lit on a rocky shoreline. Each month the government unloaded barrels of oil for the lighthouse, so the keeper could warn ships passing by.
One day a poor widow came to the keeper in desperation and begged a little oil from him in order to heat her home for her very ill child who might die. The keeper thought hard about it, but finally gave into the request. He figured just a small amount of oil could never be missed.
Another evening a father who was trying desperately to repair his home came and asked if he could just have a little oil for his lamp. After all it was just a little and the lighthouse always had so much. If he didn’t make the repairs on his home the winter snow would get inside. The keeper gave a little oil to help him so he could work late into the night and fix his home.
Later another man, who ran the local mill came to the lighthouse keeper, and shared how the cogs and wheels of the mill needed to be lubricated. He had run out of oil, and if he could borrow just a little the miller could keep his business running to keep his small band of workers at work.
A week or so later the weather turned and the waves began to roll and church out in the ocean. Winds blew gusts splashing against the tall lighthouse. Evening came and the storm worsened as waves crashed below the lighthouse. The old keeper went up the spiral stair leading up to where the light was. He checked the oil in the light, but it was empty. He ran to the storage shed and could find no oil. He ran up the stairs, and from the tall glassed in room he could see the lights of a ship cresting the waves approaching the rocks going out into the bay. He watched with horror, as the ship crashed onto the rocks and began to sink.
Calling for help from the nearby town, people came out to try to rescue those who may have survived. The ship couldn’t be reached in the winds and waves of the storm. When morning light came and the sea finally calmed. The rescuers went to work. Only a handful of the one-hundred passengers on board lived through the night.
The investigation proved that the failure of the lighthouse keeper to use his resources for their intended purpose resulted in the greatest tragedy since the lighthouse had been built on the shore.
Gifted for Purpose
4 For as in one body we have many members,[e] and the members do not all have the same function, 5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; 7 if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; 8 the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads,[f] with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. (Romans 12:4-8 ESV)
Paul encourages the Early church, and us today to recognize that it takes the gifts of various people to carry out the work and mission of Christ to our world around us. Every gift is important, and everyone is gifted by the Holy Spirit for the purpose of blessing the church. Gifts are not given to hide, but are there to bless the entire body of Christ. It is only when our gifts are working together that the entire church community can truly be blessed and the work of Christ in our world can happen. Most Christians in churches I’ve known know and accept that all are gifted for the whole.
However, do we ever see the church neglecting or abusing the gifts given through people? Some churches refuse to utilize the talents of individuals and have over spiritualized positions and work in the church, so as to prevent some from using their gifts. Others in a similar mindset abuse the role and talent of the few by overworking and creating an environment of demand upon certain roles within the church. They expect teachers, musicians, singers, or pastors to give not their best but to give 150-200% to the church. Peter reminds us that individuals and churches are responsible to be good stewards of the talent and resources their church has been given.
“10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” (1 Peter 4:10-11 ESV)
Early on in the church the Apostles had to remind the church in Acts 6 of their purpose and calling. The church of the time was trying to pressure the Apostles in managing the affairs of everyday life, but the Apostles had to remind the church of their talents and use of gifting. They also had to free the church to become the vessel for carrying on the work of Christ in the world by utilizing all who are gifted.
Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists[a] arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. 2 And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. 3 Therefore, brothers,[b] pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. 4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 5 And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. 6 These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them. (Acts 6:1-6)
It is Time to Evaluate Yourself
How are you doing at using your gifts and talents to bless in your local church and community?
Are you ever expecting someone else to go above and beyond? Are there any in the Kingdom of God we are overworking in our lives?
In Christ we can find the balance and utilize our purpose and bless others in our area of gifting and strength.
Blessings on the Journey,
Dan Shipton
DG Shipton 
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