For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these
members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though
many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We
have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If
your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with
your faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then
teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is
giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it
is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. Romans 12:4-8 NIV
In the past, the above words from Paul always spoke to me of specific attributes or talents that we need to have in order to serve His kingdom. In other letters he mentioned the “fruits of the Spirit” (Gal 5:22-23) such as love, joy, peace, among others, and the “gifts of the Spirit” (1 Cor 12:1-12) such as wisdom, healing and prophecy. These are important benefits of living in the Spirit of God, as well as guidelines on how to conduct ourselves as followers of Christ.
There are more gifts, however, talents that God gives us both through the Spirit and physically through our bodies. We can use them, or not, during our life to bless others and glorify Him. Some examples: public speaking, painting, connecting with children or adults, writing, serving, computer skills, music, design, construction, plumbing, analytical thinking, organization, cooking, exercise.
The list can go on and on.
All of us have something we do well, talents we learned, loved and
practiced until they became skills. Many rightfully consider these as
gifts from God. In my case, I’ve wanted to be a writer since I was a
teenager when I read my first Ray Bradbury book, but it took years of
practice (and procrastination) before I got good at it. Always, though, I
try to remember that I was blessed with a good family, home and
education which nurtured this in me. Some talents might never have come
to fruition had our life situation, good or bad, been different.
That’s an important consideration. A person raised in a broken home might grow up wanting to help children in the same position. My wife is a great example of this. Others have physical or mental disabilities which could be an excuse to close themselves off, or used as a gift to reach thousands as an inspiration, pointing back to God’s grace. Look up “Nick Vujicic” on Google for an amazing example.
Anything you do, and everything you are, is a talent you can use to serve others and glorify God’s kingdom. The first step is accepting that everything we have comes from Him. The second is to give it away, use it to bless someone else in whatever form that might take. Cook for church events, serve in kids ministries, visit someone in a retirement home. If you write, sing, or can lift heavy things and put them down again, pray how He might use that to further His kingdom.
When you do, you’ll be amazed how quickly and miraculously God’s answer will come.
Prayer
Lord, let me always remember that any talents and skills I might have are a gift from you. Show me how to use them as gifts from You to Your kingdom.
In the past, the above words from Paul always spoke to me of specific attributes or talents that we need to have in order to serve His kingdom. In other letters he mentioned the “fruits of the Spirit” (Gal 5:22-23) such as love, joy, peace, among others, and the “gifts of the Spirit” (1 Cor 12:1-12) such as wisdom, healing and prophecy. These are important benefits of living in the Spirit of God, as well as guidelines on how to conduct ourselves as followers of Christ.
There are more gifts, however, talents that God gives us both through the Spirit and physically through our bodies. We can use them, or not, during our life to bless others and glorify Him. Some examples: public speaking, painting, connecting with children or adults, writing, serving, computer skills, music, design, construction, plumbing, analytical thinking, organization, cooking, exercise.
The list can go on and on.
That’s an important consideration. A person raised in a broken home might grow up wanting to help children in the same position. My wife is a great example of this. Others have physical or mental disabilities which could be an excuse to close themselves off, or used as a gift to reach thousands as an inspiration, pointing back to God’s grace. Look up “Nick Vujicic” on Google for an amazing example.
Anything you do, and everything you are, is a talent you can use to serve others and glorify God’s kingdom. The first step is accepting that everything we have comes from Him. The second is to give it away, use it to bless someone else in whatever form that might take. Cook for church events, serve in kids ministries, visit someone in a retirement home. If you write, sing, or can lift heavy things and put them down again, pray how He might use that to further His kingdom.
When you do, you’ll be amazed how quickly and miraculously God’s answer will come.
Prayer
Lord, let me always remember that any talents and skills I might have are a gift from you. Show me how to use them as gifts from You to Your kingdom.
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