When we were younger, my sister once received what seemed like the most special birthday gift.
At school that day, a group of her friends had thoughtfully presented her with a beautifully wrapped package. They told her to wait until she got home to open it. That alone made it feel significant. It wasn’t the usual sweets, cards, or chocolates—this felt intentional, curated, and deeply personal.
She was a blossoming teenager, full of excitement, and like many at that age, she had her little crushes. The thought that her peers—especially the boys—had come together to do something meaningful made her heart swell. She held onto that gift like it was treasure.
At home, the anticipation spread. We all gathered after supper, eager to witness the unveiling of what we believed would be something truly special.
She began to unwrap it.
One layer.
Then another.
And another.
Beautiful wrapping paper gave way to even more wrapping. Then came shimmery paper. Then brown paper. Then newspaper—layer after layer of it.
At some point, the excitement began to fade. The package, which once seemed substantial, kept getting smaller and smaller.
Finally, the last layer came off.
Inside… two or three pieces of broken roofing tiles.
Nothing more. Nothing less.
What had looked like a meaningful gift was, in reality, empty of value. Our excitement turned to disappointment. And for my father, it revealed something deeper—the kind of company she was surrounded by.
This story is more than a childhood memory—it is a mirror.
Because many of us live like that gift.
We are beautifully wrapped—full of potential, carrying something that appears significant. God has indeed placed gifts, talents, and graces within us. But the question is: what is actually inside?
Or even more importantly:
what are we doing with what God has placed within us?
The Bible reminds us clearly:
“As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” — 1 Peter 4:10
Every gift you carry—your creativity, your voice, your leadership, your compassion—is not by chance. It is intentional.
It was given for a purpose.
Not for display.
Not for applause.
Not for self-promotion.
But for service.
Some of us are like that wrapped gift:
• We look prepared, but we are not pouring out
• We carry potential, but we are not producing fruit
• We are admired externally, but empty in impact
Others do something different—they hide their gifts.
Jesus addresses this in the Parable of the Talents:
“But his lord answered and said to him, ‘You wicked and lazy servant… you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers.’” — Matthew 25:26–27
The servant didn’t lose the gift—he simply did nothing with it.
And that, too, was unacceptable.
Another group of people use their gifts—but with the wrong motive.
They perform. They display. They shine—but for themselves.
“Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them… otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven.” — Matthew 6:1
When the goal becomes recognition, we lose sight of the true purpose.
The gift was never about us.
God is not impressed by how well-packaged we are.
He is looking for substance.
“For the kingdom of God is not in word but in power.” — 1 Corinthians 4:20
It is not enough to carry the appearance of gifting—we must steward it, develop it, and deploy it.
So the question becomes deeply personal:
• Are you hiding what God has given you?
• Are you displaying it for applause instead of purpose?
• Are you developing it and using it to serve others?
Or are you, like that gift, wrapped in layers of potential… but empty of impact?
Scripture calls us higher:
“Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.” — 1 Corinthians 4:2
Faithfulness means:
• Using what you’ve been given
• Growing it intentionally
• Offering it back to God in service
God has placed something valuable inside of you.
It may not always look impressive on the outside. It may not always be celebrated. But it carries eternal significance.
Don’t just admire the gift.
Don’t just protect it.
Don’t just display it.
Use it.
Because at the end of it all, the question will not be how well it was wrapped…
But how well it was used.
With Love, Esinam.
Virtuous Living 