Gifted But Wasted – Pst Asegun Adekanmi

Text: 1 Samuel 10:10; 1 Samuel 31:3; Judges 14:5–6; Judges 16:20–21; Acts 1:15–20; Colossians 4:14; 2 Timothy 4:10

Introduction

The tragedy of life is not death — it is wasted potential. Many begin with fire, passion, and divine endowment, yet end in ashes because the gift of God in their lives was never properly harnessed or preserved. The Bible is filled with men who started with divine encounters, anointing, and opportunities, yet ended their journey in shame, regret, or insignificance.

They were gifted, but they became wasted.

Understanding the topic: Gifted but Wasted

To be gifted is to be endowed by God with grace, skill, wisdom, or anointing meant to glorify Him and bless humanity. Every believer carries something divine — a spiritual deposit meant to influence generations.

But to be wasted is to let that divine potential decay through neglect, compromise, or disobedience. It is when a man’s purpose is aborted, his divine investment lost, and his destiny cut short.

Scriptural Illustrations

1. Saul – The King Who Lost the Kingdom (1 Samuel 10:10; 1 Samuel 31:3)

Saul started with the Spirit of God resting mightily upon him. He prophesied among the prophets and was anointed as Israel’s first king. But disobedience and pride led to his downfall. The man who once carried oil died by his own sword — a gifted king, wasted by rebellion.

Lesson: The anointing you receive today can be lost tomorrow if you do not walk in obedience.

2. Samson – The Anointed Yet Captive (Judges 14:5–6; 16:20–21)

Samson was born a Nazirite, separated unto God. The Spirit of the Lord came upon him mightily, empowering him to tear a lion as one tears a kid. But indulgence and lust robbed him of his consecration. The man who once shook nations was reduced to a grinder in a Philistine prison.

Lesson: When consecration is broken, the anointing becomes vulnerable.

3. Judas Iscariot – The Disciple Who Sold His Calling (Acts 1:15–20)

Judas walked with Jesus, handled divine mysteries, and partook of heavenly glory — yet sold his Master for thirty pieces of silver. His position was taken by another because his gift was wasted in betrayal.

Lesson: A privileged position in ministry is not a guarantee of lasting relevance without integrity.

4. Demas – The Minister Who Loved the World (Colossians 4:14; 2 Timothy 4:10)

Demas once labored alongside Paul, sharing in apostolic ministry. Yet, he turned back, drawn by the allure of the world. He had a gift for ministry but wasted it chasing earthly pleasures.

Lesson: Love for the world is one of the fastest ways to waste divine grace.

Types of Wastage

1. Outright Wastage

This occurs suddenly — like a crash. It is when a man destroys his divine investment through an instant act of rebellion, sin, or pride. Saul and Judas are examples.

A single act can end what God began. Guard your gift!

2. Gradual Wastage

This happens subtly, over time. It is when a believer slowly drifts from fervency — prayer life fades, consecration weakens, and compromise creeps in unnoticed. Samson and Demas exemplify this.

Be careful of small cracks; they grow into great collapses.

What Does It Mean to Be Wasted?

1. Living Below Divine Standard
   When God destined you for greatness but you settle for mediocrity. It’s like living as a servant when you were meant to be a king.
2. Walking in the Valley of Life
   A man walking in the valley lacks vision and elevation. He is alive but directionless, moving but not advancing.
3. Full of Potentials Yet Poor
   Many are loaded with divine deposits — gifts, talents, and abilities — yet they die unfulfilled because they never maximized what God gave them.
4. Inability to Discover Purpose
   Until purpose is discovered, life remains a cycle of confusion. Wastage begins when a man does not know why he was created.
5. To Suffer a Stranded Glory
   Glory can be stranded — when opportunities are wasted and the oil of destiny is left unused. A stranded glory is a life that once shone but has now dimmed.
6. Not Being Able to Fulfill Dreams
   When divine visions are aborted midway, when a dreamer gives up before his manifestation — destiny becomes wasted.

Conclusion

Beloved, being gifted is not enough. The real victory is to finish well — to keep the fire burning until the end. Many started in the Spirit but ended in the flesh; many were anointed but lacked character; many were called but could not endure discipline.

God is calling us today to preserve the gift He has placed within us. Don’t let sin, pride, worldliness, or carelessness waste your divine deposit. Guard the anointing. Fan the flame. Stay consecrated.

2 Timothy 1:6 – “Stir up the gift of God which is in you.”

You are gifted — but ensure you are not wasted.

Pastor Asegun Adekanmi
MFM 53 Mega Region – Agboyi Ketu, Lagos State.