Know, Develop And Use Your Gifts
There was an attitude among believers long ago that ditched everything ‘natural’ because of the new birth experience. It was thought that once one experiences Spiritual birth, he must have nothing to do with everything natural- in-born qualities and gifts. Unfortunately, this is not possible and untrue as it means one must put away the body too. The Bible clearly tells us, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change” James 1:17.
Good gifts
God of mercy and goodness preserves His creation by giving good gifts to all men. According to Mt 5:45 … For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. He does not measure air for the unrighteous but gives lavishly to the righteous. No, He gives equally and lavishly. There are so many blessings the LORD has bestowed on men and women all over the world that are not discriminatory. These are the ones I will call good gifts. The blessing of marriage companionship, children, family, health, sun, rain, etc are all among the good gifts that God has given to all mankind.
But there are also some unique gifts that God has given to some people who may not necessarily have experienced the new birth. Some have great memory, language acquisition, listening, artistic eye, creativity, strategic-vision, problem solving, music, writing, design etc. These are gifts and talents (definitions vary about what talents are- in-born, passion or developed abilities are basis for understanding talents). All these are God-given and are good for the service of men. The world has been blessed and helped by the use of these unique gifts and talents. Upon experiencing new birth, you only need to submit them to God’s direction for His Kingdom propagation. They are not to be discarded. The Bible example of Bezaleel, Aholiab and other craftsmen (Ex 36:1), who helped in the building of the Sanctuary of God, the instruments for worship and the robes of the Priests and Levites clearly instructs us that under the direction of the Holy Spirit, our natural gifts can be of great use in the advancement of the Kingdom.
What are your natural gifts and talents? Do you have talents (skills) that you may use in the service of men to promote the Kingdom of God?
As we shall emphasize when we explain spiritual gifts, one helpful way to know your gifts and talents is how has it been appreciated and commended by those who have observed or benefitted from it. What do people say about how you have impacted them by your gift and talent? Upon realizing your gifts and talents, you must go on to develop it. Take advantage of every opportunity to learn more about it and exercise it.
Those who understand their gifts and talents and pursue careers in line with them are often very successful and fulfilled. Also, you must find ways to employ your gifts in promoting the work of Christ among the nations of the world.