Part Seven in the Tribute to Norm Series
Closure
If there is anything in this life that is certain, it's that life does have an end. Our time on this planet is limited, there is nothing that can be done about that beyond perhaps delaying the inevitable. When it's all said and done, we all pass on.
What's really important then is how we spend that time. In Matthew 25:14-30 Jesus spoke of gifts, spiritual and otherwise, and gave examples of how people choose to use them. In his examples, Jesus illustrated how there are some that do practically nothing with the gifts they have, those that do some good, then some who accomplish great things. The passage closes with the comment (depending on your version of the Bible): "To those that have much, more will be given. To those that have little, even that will be taken away."
What does it mean? God formed you specifically to accomplish His work. The more willing you are to get on board with Him and work toward His goals, the more you accomplish. In the process, you may find talents you didn't know you possessed. More directly, one should recognize something obvious; if one has a talent, it's because God intends for you to use it for His good.
If we apply biology to this topic, it's worthy to note how the body handles energy. When you use a certain part of your body, the body will feed it, enhancing its ability to continue to perform the particular function. The more you use it, the more it's fed, usually even growing in size or capability. The nervous system is stimulated to create more connections, blood flow is increased, muscles strengthened, all the things necessary to prepare the body to work efficiently. The opposite is true as well. Body parts that are not used will not be fed. Muscles atrophy, blood is shunted away, and the body part diminishes.
To me, this is a perfect example of how the Bible and science are in perfect agreement. Jesus promises those who work for the body of Christ will be "fed", that they will grow (in spirit), and their abilities will grow.
As I look at the part of Norm's life I shared, I can't help but feel humbled by all the people he managed to touch and improve through his kind nature and caring spirit. Norm always thought of others in everything he did. He wasn't flashy... okay, he was flashy, but in a goofy, down-to-earth way. I marvel at his energy, how he could go so many directions at once and juggle it all. He had so many talents, and he never let any of them go to waste.
That, friends, is a life well-lived. It challenges and inspires us to live better, live larger in our walk in Christ, to do more for our fellow men. We are lucky to have other members of our group of similar caliber, those who spend their time caring for others in all they do. Knowing people like this, being in their presence, can elevate us all. Remember Norm, but better still, be like Norm, and challenge yourself to step out and use those talents God gave you to help your fellow man.
Closure
If there is anything in this life that is certain, it's that life does have an end. Our time on this planet is limited, there is nothing that can be done about that beyond perhaps delaying the inevitable. When it's all said and done, we all pass on.
What's really important then is how we spend that time. In Matthew 25:14-30 Jesus spoke of gifts, spiritual and otherwise, and gave examples of how people choose to use them. In his examples, Jesus illustrated how there are some that do practically nothing with the gifts they have, those that do some good, then some who accomplish great things. The passage closes with the comment (depending on your version of the Bible): "To those that have much, more will be given. To those that have little, even that will be taken away."
What does it mean? God formed you specifically to accomplish His work. The more willing you are to get on board with Him and work toward His goals, the more you accomplish. In the process, you may find talents you didn't know you possessed. More directly, one should recognize something obvious; if one has a talent, it's because God intends for you to use it for His good.
If we apply biology to this topic, it's worthy to note how the body handles energy. When you use a certain part of your body, the body will feed it, enhancing its ability to continue to perform the particular function. The more you use it, the more it's fed, usually even growing in size or capability. The nervous system is stimulated to create more connections, blood flow is increased, muscles strengthened, all the things necessary to prepare the body to work efficiently. The opposite is true as well. Body parts that are not used will not be fed. Muscles atrophy, blood is shunted away, and the body part diminishes.
To me, this is a perfect example of how the Bible and science are in perfect agreement. Jesus promises those who work for the body of Christ will be "fed", that they will grow (in spirit), and their abilities will grow.
As I look at the part of Norm's life I shared, I can't help but feel humbled by all the people he managed to touch and improve through his kind nature and caring spirit. Norm always thought of others in everything he did. He wasn't flashy... okay, he was flashy, but in a goofy, down-to-earth way. I marvel at his energy, how he could go so many directions at once and juggle it all. He had so many talents, and he never let any of them go to waste.
That, friends, is a life well-lived. It challenges and inspires us to live better, live larger in our walk in Christ, to do more for our fellow men. We are lucky to have other members of our group of similar caliber, those who spend their time caring for others in all they do. Knowing people like this, being in their presence, can elevate us all. Remember Norm, but better still, be like Norm, and challenge yourself to step out and use those talents God gave you to help your fellow man.
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