As each of you has received a gift (a particular spiritual talent, a gracious divine endowment), employ it for one another as [befits] good trustees of God’s many-sided grace [faithful stewards of the extremely diverse powers and gifts granted to Christians by unmerited favor]. 1 Peter 4:10 AMP
Whether spiritual or physical every ability, talent, strength and skill each one of us possesses has been endowed to us by God. If we believe this the least we can do is use whatever He has given us for His glory.
It doesn’t matter if you use your talent within a church environment or another way.
Many talents were not meant to be used inside the church but as the church – Christ’s body going into all the world letting our lights shine by being good reflections of His Person as we use our talents, skills and abilities to help others in our work and activism.
What matters is that we as Christians do everything as unto the Lord. Colossians 3:23-24 says, “Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.”
Many of us want to do our own thing with what we’ve been given.
We shouldn’t feel bad about this, it is human nature. But know that human nature is opposed to God’s nature. Often times God has a different plan for us, one we haven’t thought of. The Bible says, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them,” Ephesians 2:10. It’s nice when our plans and God’s plans for us agree but that doesn’t always happen. Sometimes we will have to leave our plans at the cross if we are to follow Jesus and do the work he created us to do.
How to give God the first and the best of your talent
Like any other area of life, it is important to develop the habit of looking to the Holy Spirit for direction in our business and career choices and even our volunteer and activism choices to make sure we are doing what He has called us to do with our talents.
First: when you discover your talents and gifts seek to know what He wants you to do with them. Jeremiah 1:5 says, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you and; I appointed you.” Know that whatever talent, gift, or ability you’ve been given is for God’s divine purpose whether big or small in the sight of man.
Best: While you are discovering His plan and even after you know the purpose of your talents and gifts and you are walking in them”Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17
Sometimes the only way to find out why you were given your talents and gifts is to start using them. If you are going in the wrong direction the Lord will reveal it to you. It’s up to you to yield.
Beloved, remembering Whose you are will help you to remember why you are, and in turn you will always be willing give God the first and the best of your talent.
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