Enjoy Your Gifts

Colossians 3:16-17

Whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father. (Colossians 3:17)

GERARD OF FRACHET, a thirteenth-century Dominican writer, told many stories in which certain deceased members of the order were consigned to suffering in purgatory for various sins. Among those sins of his brothers were being too passionate about architecture, too interested in manuscripts, and too enthusiastic about the construction of new monasteries. Aside from reflecting a bizarre definition of sin and a glaring absence of grace (which was not unusual for the time), his stories also illustrate an extreme form of a more subtle assumption many Christians still hold: that if we enjoy something too much, it must be wrong. Or, as Gerard might have put it, pleasure is the enemy of true spirituality.

This belief is far from the truth, of course. It contradicts the portrayal of God as revealed in Scripture, who is supremely satisfied in his work and takes great pleasure in his children and his Kingdom. If Scripture can speak of “the zeal of the Lord,” and we are called to be like him, then zeal is entirely appropriate. In fact, our unique combination of interests and passions may be given to us specifically to accomplish his purposes. He wants us to be enthusiastic about our work, whether or not others see it as “spiritual.” The world is in desperate need of people who love God and are passionate about what they do.

Finding satisfaction in your work and interests reflects the Creator who, at every step of the creation process, looked at his handiwork and saw that it was good. Though life may place demands on you to do whatever needs to be done, regardless of whether you enjoy it, God’s intention is ultimately for you to find your sweet spot. When you get there, give him thanks and represent him well. Make the most of the gifts he has given you, and enjoy them. Let the world see the satisfaction of the Creator—and a taste of his glory—in you.

{Lord, may I never dishonor the interests and dreams you have placed in my heart. Give me discernment about which ones are yours and let me pursue those wholeheartedly. Make me fruitful in satisfying places. Amen.