Carpe Diem: Using Our Gifts for God’s Glory / Guest Post by Brad Newburg

Every competitor knows the importance of knowing your role and playing it well. A team only thrives when each player embraces their assignment and gives their best effort for the good of the whole. The same is true in the body of Christ. God has uniquely gifted each one of us, and He calls us to use those gifts diligently and faithfully.

Romans 12 reminds us: “Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them…” (Romans 12:6-8 NKJV). Whether it’s serving, teaching, encouraging, giving, leading, or showing mercy, our gifts are not meant to sit on the sidelines. They are meant to be lived out with diligence and zeal.

The Bible makes it clear - time is short. “What is your life? It is even a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes” (James 4:14). We’re reminded to “wake from our sleep” because “salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed” (Romans 13:11). Jesus Himself said, “The Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect” (Matthew 24:44).

That means the time to use our gifts is now. Peter urges us: “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace” (1 Peter 4:10). The work of God’s kingdom is not something we put off for a more convenient season. Jesus said, “We must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work” (John 9:4).

Because the days are urgent, we can’t live with complacency. Hebrews 10 challenges us to “consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together…but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (vv. 23-25).

This isn’t the time to shrink back. As Hebrews 10:39 boldly declares, “We are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.”

Instead, we are called to live with zeal and fervency: “Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord” (Romans 12:11).

Jesus gave us a clear warning in Mark 13: “Stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come…lest he come suddenly and find you asleep” (vv. 35-36). The Lord has entrusted each of us with work to do, gifts to use, and people to serve.

This is the essence of Carpe Diem - seize the day! Matthew 11:12 reminds us that the kingdom of heaven is advancing, and it takes courage, faith, and action to step into it.

God has placed gifts in your life for a purpose. Maybe it’s teaching. Maybe it’s encouragement. Maybe it’s leading or showing mercy. Whatever it is, don’t bury it. Don’t wait for the “right moment.” The time is now.

Offer your body as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1-2), fueled by His Spirit, and play your role with diligence and joy. When we each do our part, the body of Christ grows strong, the mission of God advances, and the name of Jesus is lifted high.

Carpe Diem. Seize the day. Use your gifts. And play your role well for the glory of God.