The Jeans Have Shrunk

Our son Grant lived at home while he attended college. He and my husband Larry had some jeans that were similar except for waist size. Grant was a slim young man and Larry had gained some weight, so Larry’s jeans were a little bigger. When I washed the clothes, I put Grant’s jeans in his bedroom and Larry’s were folded and put on a shelf in our closet.

One day Larry came out of our bedroom with a pair of jeans on, but not fastened. He complained loudly, “These jeans have shrunk!” As I looked them over, I realized they were Grant’s jeans, not Larry’s. I evidently had put them in the wrong bedroom. When Larry went back to the closet and put on his jeans, they did fit.

God has given gifts and talents to His children, which vary from person to person. There are times when Christians try to “put on” others’ gifts instead of their own. They may be envious of others’ talents or have their own idea of how they want to serve Christ.

When we are determined to sing for an audience and we can’t carry a tune, play drums in a band when we can’t keep the beat, or lead a group study when we don’t have leadership abilities, it won’t work any better than Larry trying to wear Grant’s jeans.

God has wisely chosen the gifts that fits each person. As we learn to value our own gifts, we can then serve the Lord, as He directs, and this will benefit others.

Using my own gifts fits me the best.

“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)