When I hear about people dedicating their lives to mission work, or leading revivals, or converting thousands of people to Christ, I applaud them. I can also feel like “What do I have to give?” I haven’t led thousands to Christ or been out of the country on a mission trip. Sometimes it can feel like those people who are doing those big extravagant things are the ones who are truly giving their all for God.
But then I hear the Christmas song Little Drummer Boy. It tells the (fictional) tale of a poor boy who has nothing to give to the Infant King.
Come, they told me,
A newborn king to see,
Our finest gifts we bring,
To lay before the king,
So, to honor Him,
When we come
Baby Jesus,
I am a poor boy too,
I have no gifts to bring,
That's fit to give a king
“I have no gifts to bring,...” Can’t we feel like that sometimes? That our gifts, our talents, our skills, aren’t “big” enough? How does writing a short story glorify God compared to leading a revival? How does baking a cake praise His name as much as a missionary smuggling Bibles into forbidden areas.
This little drummer boy didn’t have gold, frankincense, or myrrh. He didn’t have a hit TV show or a huge Instagram following; he wasn’t famous or rich or popular. But what he did have was his drum. I’m just speculating but I think that drum was precious to him. I think that it might’ve been his only possession, perhaps even his greatest treasure.
Shall I play for you,
On my drum?
Mary nodded,
The ox and lamb kept time
I played my drum for Him,
Whether we are missionaries or bakers, pastors or writers, worship leaders or accountants, we all have something to give the King. I’ve been reading the devotional Radiant by Priscilla Shirer and she talks about how everything about us is carefully and masterfully created by God so that He can shine His light through us. He made Billy Graham to be an evangelist and reach millions through his revivals, He made C.S. Lewis to be a writer whose books are still being read decades later, He made me a writer and an artist and I pray that He uses those gifts for His glory. He also made you, and outfitted you with gifts that are specific to you and what God wants to do through you.
It doesn’t matter if you reach thousands across the world or the person right next door. Just like the little drummer boy, use your gifts and play your best for the King.
I played my best for Him,
Then, He smiled at me,
Me and my drum
Hey there, friend! I’m Bella Raine, fun-loving, creative, homeschooled young woman. I have a passion for pure books, fluid art, writing for His glory, fall weather, and the belief that it’s never too hot for sweatshirts! In between writing novels families can enjoy together, I love creating and selling fluid art on my store, reading lots of books, drinking frozen kombucha, and hanging out with my family and friends on our small farm in Tennessee! I’ve been published in two historical fiction anthologies and now run a blog about all things books, art, and writing. I would also love to connect with you through my email list! I do hope, you’ll stick around- I’d love to have you!
Well said.