Don’t let fear make you hide your talents and abilities. One Christian author says: ‘God expects us to make the most of what He gives us…to keep our hearts aflame, grow our character and personality, and broaden our experiences so we’ll be increasingly more effective. Paul told the Philippians, “Keep on growing in knowledge and understanding” (Philippians 1:9 NLT). And he told Timothy, “Be sure to use the abilities God has given you…Put [them] to work” (1 Timothy 4:14-15 TLB); “Kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you.” When you don’t exercise your muscles, they weaken and atrophy, and when you don’t utilise the skills God gave you, the same thing happens. Referring to the servant who because of fear hid his talent in the ground, Jesus said, “Take the talent from him and give it to the one who has the ten talents” (Matthew 25:28 NIV 1984 Edition). Don’t be afraid. Put your gifts and abilities to work and they’ll become enlarged and developed through practice. No one reaches full development all at once. But with study, feedback, and practice, a good teacher can become a better teacher, and in time grow to be a great teacher. Stretch yourself. Learn all you can. “Concentrate on doing your best for God, work you won’t be ashamed of” (2 Timothy 2:15 MSG). Take advantage of every opportunity to develop and sharpen your skills. Remember, in heaven we’re going to serve God forever, and we prepare by practising here on earth. Like athletes getting ready for the Olympics, we’re training for the big day.’