Heaven doesn’t need it
Martha Olawale
“For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.” Matthew 25:29
The value of a single life created by God has multiplying effects because within each person lie treasures beyond understanding. We cannot fully grasp the creative power within us until we go beyond mental and societal limits to activate the gifts God has given us. These divine gifts should reflect God’s goodness, change many destinies, and outlive us. We are made for more than just self-glorification, which restricts how much good we can do in the world.
Most of us go through life like the servant with one talent. Unlike the others, instead of investing his single talent to earn more, he let fear cloud the rest he was meant to enjoy by working with it. He hid his gift and returned it as he had received it, depriving the world of blessings and himself of the joy of achievement. The master called him in verse 15 the “Wicked and slothful servant!”
All gifts are given by God to be used here on earth for the good of people and the blessing of mankind. We are entrusted with them by God because they are His to give and ours to multiply. In the parable of the talents, Jesus referred to the talents given to the servants as the master’s property (Matthew 25:14). Like any business investment, God expects us to plant our gifts in the world and not store them to haul them back to Heaven. We live to give life, spread joy, and extend hope.
The realization that the Cherubim and Seraphim can sing better than the best orchestra in the world should encourage any Christian with a gifted voice to sing their hearts out here on earth before they get to Heaven. The host of Heaven does not need our human encouragement, faithfulness, giving spirit, or prayers. Every gift we have is for earthly use, poured out into people to help, restore, and honor all of God’s creation. We are the closest to God’s nature the world would see, and how we approach our life’s purpose will serve as a mirror.
Each gift may be unique to each person, but none are insignificant. Recognizing that all gifts are given by God for the common good can help us approach life’s purpose with greater determination. 1 Corinthians 12:6-7 states, “There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.” Ultimately, Heaven does not need our gifts; the world does, so we must use them to glorify God in our careers, homes, neighborhoods, churches, and wherever God places us.
