Not much inspires me more than a person’s story.

One such person is Toyohiko Kagawa. Born in 1888, in Kobe, Japan, Kagawa was orphaned early, lived with his widowed stepmother and later with his uncle.

He attended Bible class to learn English and was disowned when he became a Christian during his teen years.

Kagawa believed in putting his Christianity into action. He lived among the poor, in a six-foot square shed, as a missionary and social reformist, and was eventually arrested for his role in labor activism.

Following a devastating earthquake, Kagawa was asked to help rebuild the nation because of his ability to reorganize and restructure.

He was released from prison into his new role but declined the money and benefits attached to the job saying, “To work with the poor, I must be poor.”

He is also quoted as saying, “I read in a book where a man called Christ went about doing good. It is very disconcerting to me that I am so satisfied with just going about.”

Few of us will live a life like that of Kagawa and that’s OK. But it’s not OK if we don’t acknowledge, develop and use the gifts God has placed within us.

In our brief appearance on planet Earth, we have the responsibility to touch our corner of the world with the love of God.

When we stand before Him, may our lives demonstrate the use of the talents He entrusted to us.

To the best of our abilities, may we leave nothing unsaid, undone, unwritten or unsung, and hear Him say, “Well, done, my good and faithful servant!” (Matthew 25:21)

Ronny Michel may be reached at rmichel@rtconline.com.