by Staff Writer Shannon Meiers

Our society seems to put an unprecedented amount of value on the dollar. Some folks may think that money can buy happiness. It’s actually quite the opposite.

God has given each of us talents. But our fulfillment doesn’t come from what we do – it’s how we use it to glorify God.

For some of us, that means writing what God has placed in our hearts. For others, it means teaching bright, little minds all the knowledge they can hold.

But writing or teaching is not the most well-paying job. But God is so awesome, He makes the act of using your talent create more pleasure than all the money in the world ever could.

So, when you discover what your special talent is, go for it! Pray about it, practice your talent, and talk to your parents and teachers – ask them how you could put it to good use. Find out how to use that talent to further God’s kingdom.

Whatever it is you do, it will be far more fulfilling if you do it solely to bring glory to God and to have fun, rather than doing it for the money. Nothing cheers me more than seeing a little kid who has big ambitions for his or her life, and when asked for the reason, replies, “Because I want to change the world. I don’t care about the money.”

And, I daresay, that statement makes God smile as well.

Shannon is a high school junior who is deeply passionate about making a difference for Christ. She is involved with the special needs’ ministry in her church, but she’s the one who feels like she’s learning through it.