By Larry Young

Haven’t we all been “blown away” by someone’s accomplishments or scientific discoveries at some point in our lives? For instance, DNA contains the written code for every living thing on this planet. But we didn’t start figuring that out until DNA was isolated in 1869 by Swiss chemist Friedrich Miescher, and its double-helix structure was only identified in 1953 by James Watson and Francis Crick (I was 4 years old then). With today’s computers and analysis equipment, it is common now to trace anyone’s genetic history and unique identity from just a microscopic sample of their DNA. Wouldn’t you agree that such discoveries never would have happened if it weren’t for people who pursued “thinking outside the box”?

Who gave us the ability or gift to “think outside the box”, like those scientists or chemists did regards DNA? It is God!! He is our triune God the Father, His son Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. Going beyond menial curiosity to seek elusive answer is a gift from God, written into our DNA code by the hand of God himself.

It is said there are 4 types of people: Those who MAKE things happen, those who WATCH things happen, those who WONDER what happened, and those who IMPEDE those who make things happen. My opinion is that each of us, me included, take turns in one or more of those categories on a revolving basis. Generally, those who “think outside the box” spend much of their time watching things happen, but then they understand the right circumstances and the right timing when to MAKE things happen.

Under the guidance and direction of God, and under His influence of love, patience, hope, and humility, I get excited about “thinking outside the box”. A big part of that is realizing that we spend far too much time and energy “hiding inside the box”… in the name of safety, security, risk management, and an abundance of caution. Would the Wright Brothers have ever invented the airplane if they thought that way? Would Benjamin Franklin ever have discovered electrical current if he didn’t risk flying a kite with a key on a wet string in a lightning storm? Would Enrico Fermi ever invent nuclear reactors if he didn’t reach out to understand the hidden power inside the atom? The list goes on.

OK, we are not all Einsteins who invent or discover jaw-dropping things, but God has given every one of us at least one special priceless gift, and Jesus has commanded us to bring out our gift (or gifts), think outside the box, and light them up: “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before me, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5: 14-16)

Compare all this with Jesus’ parable of the talents! He blessed those who invested the lord’s money (putting it at risk by thinking outside the box), and they received all the more in return. But there was one who hid his one talent in the ground, never invested it, and just gave it back to his lord. “But his lord answered and said to him. You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed. So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest. Therefore take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents….and cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” (Matthew 25: 26-30)

In Luke 12: 48 Jesus told us: “For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much as been committed, of him they will ask the more.” I myself am certainly in that category. I have been given numerous gifts and talents. When I humble myself at Jesus’ feet, He gives me the ability to use those gifts and talents, but it’s up me to “think outside the box” and put the Lord’s gifts to work, to accept risk, and do so motivated by Jesus’ love. Then Jesus’ investment won’t come back empty, but will be poured out in full measure according to Jesus’ grace, mercy, and love. Jesus’ words apply to each of us.