Utilizing Every God-Given Asset

“Peyton Manning utilized every asset that God gave him to be the best football player that he could be” are the words John Elway spoke when describing the retiring quarterback during Monday’s press conference.Manning was given plenty of “assets” from God, including a strong family heritage, a tall frame, intellect, and passion for the game. Elway didn’t say Peyton was the best, but instead “the best football player that he could be.” Manning maximized the assets he was blessed with. I appreciate Elway acknowledging the role God and Peyton each played in this distinguished career, as there are so many talented athletes who have also been given much but squander it away. It's easy to respect and appreciate the athletes that take advantage of God-given gifts while putting in the effort to utilize them. You and I are no different than Manning, or even Elway when it comes to God-given assets. They are probably not quarterback related, but we all have gifts and talents God wants us to use for His glory. God generously gives us unique skills and passions, and it’s up to us to utilize them to the best of our abilities. The Bible says in 1 Peter 4: 10-11 (NIV), “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.” If our gifts are used “so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ,” then we should desire to never waste what’s been bestowed upon us. It’s not so much about being the best, but more about doing our best to capitalize on our potential while pointing people to Jesus. We can leverage our talents to serve and impact people as we become all that God created us to be. I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for the unique gifts and talents you have given me. Help me to never forget they originated from you in order to be utilized for Your glory, as well as to serve others. Help me to be a good steward of what you’ve entrusted to me, and help me to become more of who you created me to be each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.