Proverbs 12:27 (NKJV) The lazy man does not roast what he took in hunting, But diligence is man’s precious possession.
I referenced this verse about 3 1/2 years ago. In that writing I used the illustration of recovering all of the meat from game, when hunting.
“To fill an elk tag is a great joy, but a tremendous blessing, a gift. After the enjoyment of time spent in God’s grandeur, my family will be fed and nourished for the better part of the year. If I went to the mountains, or the fields here at home, shot my game, walked away without attempted recovery or simply left it lie, that would be wasteful, irresponsible, illegal and just down right unappreciative. After all, I already stated how valuable that game is and what blessings and joy it brings.
This is true of all the things He provides for us, the fruits of our labors, our talents and abilities, our knowledge, everything. To not make use of these gifts, earned or bestowed, is wasteful, irresponsible and just down right unappreciative.
The value of the gift is determined not by the recipient, but in the heart and intent of the giver. Do you think that anything God blesses us with is given in any less than the purest, most loving, fullest capacity of His endless love? The intent of His heart, therefore determines its worth. Consequently, no matter how great or small we measure it, it’s value can be no less than infinite.”
As I reread these words, it brought a realization and clarity to my current circumstances. On November, 21st 2019, God blessed me with the gift of sacrifice from a brave and dear friend. That gift was in the form of a life saving kidney donation. Through that gift I’ve been given a new lease on this temporal life of mine. It has restored me physically, emotionally and mentally to a state in which I have not felt in many years. So what am I to do with this gift? The short answer that keeps repeating in my heart and mind is, ‘the most and the best that I can’. So what does that mean? Well, my feeling is that to take it for granted would be wasted gains. To not strive for continued pursuit of better physical health and fitness, would be to waste His blessing. So, I have dedicated myself to that pursuit. My feeling is that to not take this opportunity to work on areas of my behavior and character in which I fall short and are lacking, would be wasteful and unappreciative. If I fail to be obedient when He compels me to word or action, I would be falling short of my responsibilities and His expectations, wasted opportunities. If a fail to dedicate myself to a full on pursuit of Jesus Christ, a relationship, to know and love Him, to express and share this with the world around me, I’ve wasted the gift. So, I must not waste it. I should dedicate myself to doing the most and the best I can. We all should.
Our days are forever being filled with examples of these gifts, His heart, His love. What are we doing with them? Are we roasting what we were blessed with? Are we applying ourselves fully and utilizing our talents and resources to their fullest? Are we being diligent?
Colossians 3:23,24 (NASB)’Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. ‘
Have a blessed and safe weekend.
In full pursuit of the greatest Trophy,
Scott Pace
