Unexpected Wisdom from a Bowl of Cereal - Contemplating the Gifts of God

This morning while I was babysitting God taught me something from a bowl of cereal.

The boy I was babysitting was pouring himself a bowl of cereal, and I went to wash my hands. I turned around and the bowl was completely filled up with a little mountain rising up from the center of the bowl.

“That’s too much. You’re not going to be able to eat all that.” I started pouring some of the cereal back in the bag and left him with a more sensible portion of cereal.

He poked at it with his finger and said, “That’s barely any.”
“Finish that and if you’re still hungry, then you can have more.”

It made me think of the parable of the talents.

"And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me five talents; here I have made five talents more.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’"  Matthew 25:20-21

People can say to God “Give me more talent, more money, more time.” Yet they may not fully use what they already have.

It made me think, “Do I really make the most of the time, money, and gifts that God has given me?” 

"He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much; and he who is unrighteous in a very little thing is unrighteous also in much."   Luke 16:10


If God were to let us pour out the talent, money, etc. then we would probably over do it and not even use half of what we poured for ourselves. God does not give so that the gifts can be hoarded (Matthew 6:19-21 & Matthew 25:18, 24-27). He gives what is needed when it is needed (Matthew 6:11). He pours in us so we can pour out to others (2 Cor. 9:6-15).

If I can’t fully use what I already have, why would I ask for even more?

Why is God going to give someone more of anything if He sees them wasting or not using up what He’s already given?

Using gifts from God doesn’t always mean making the most of them. It is possible to use what God has given but still waste it. If the gifts are used for unrighteous things or for self-indulgence or for selfish gain, then they are being wasted because they will never make an eternal and lasting investment. Even if they are being used they can still be wasted.
God wants us to fully use His gifts to us.

Having Joy: A Way to Bless Others

Be joyful always.

Rejoice in the Lord always...

Give thanks in all circumstances...


I was thinking today about these verses, and I know I should do these things, but today I thought about why.

I realized today that when someone is not being joyful, that person is actually being selfish by focusing only on self. If someone is not being joyful or enthusiastic about life or some situation, then he/she is probably either complaining (to him/herself or out loud) or just being "meh" or "blah" about life or that particular situation. So how's complaining or being unenthusiastic about things selfish? Think about where attention is being drawn.

When people complain, they draw attention to themselves and also surround everyone else around them with a negative attitude*.

Being just "meh" prevents others from seeing reasons to praise God. It keeps the focus on self and feelings*, not on blessings, others, or God. It is an attitude that says life is not good and there is no reason to smile. That attitude does not show or surround others with love or encourage them with joy. It also does not show them that they are a joy to be around and worth rejoicing over (It's no fun to be around someone who is not happy to see you).

Being joyful, especially during trials, is a way to bless others. They can be surrounded with an attitude of thanksgiving and happiness. Others can draw off that joy and be encouraged to find delight in what blessings they do have. Being joyful and thankful is an attitude that acknowledges blessings and blessing others and most importantly, acknowledges God.



Verses quoted above: 1 Thessalonians 5:16, Philippians 4:4 , 1 Thessalonians 5:18

* There is a time to be sorrowful and pour out your heart to close friends and share your troubles. Life has difficulties after all. Just remember to look out for the interests of others (Philippians 2:3-4).