Helping Hands - Martin Wiles

God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. 1 Peter 4:10 NLT

“Many hands make light work.” And it did for us.

Middle School field day. An annual event middle school teachers didn’t care for. While it gave us a day out of class, most of us would have rather taught. We once had the event in late spring, just before school let out. By then, the weather in the South had turned steamy, and we spent a miserable day in the hot sun with no shade to be found. Although our lead teacher planned the event, we had to help execute it.

Then a miracle came along. One of the football and baseball coaches came on board as a teacher. He knew how to deal with the rambunctious boys because he coached them. Our lead teacher came up with a brainstorm: let him plan and execute field day. We would be his helpers. The headmaster had also hired another younger male teacher. The two would make a great team to head up field day.

We teachers now view field day through different lenses. The coach prepares a schedule and executes it. His voice booms, and the kids listen to him. The remainder of us teachers sit on the sideline and enjoy watching the kids burn their calories while we do nothing but supervise. His helping hands have changed our perspective on field day. Now we look at it as a day of relaxation.

The coach has discovered his gift. I wouldn’t be surprised if he doesn’t become a head coach somewhere one day. But for now, he uses his helping hands to follow Peter’s advice.

God gives His children many talents and at least one spiritual gift. No one can say, “I have nothing to serve others with.” Our responsibility is to discover our gift and talents and then use them in God’s service. How this coach discovered his, I’m not sure. Probably through his love for sports. Then one thing led to another. He also majored in history. The two seem to go together—at least in small private schools.

When we study God’s Word, take advantage of opportunities to serve and listen to others, God will show us our gifts. Then He will give us ample chances to use them for His glory and to advance His Kingdom.

Are you using your hands to help?

Tweetable: What are you doing with your hands?

Prayer: Father, show us what You want us to use our hands for.

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