Use Your God-Given Talents! (Romans 12:3-8)
When I listened to Pastor Ray last Sunday and the teaching from his sermon, I thought about the many God-given talents that our church family and of the many people I know. When I think about the word talent, it takes me back to my years of playing sports……especially baseball. I thought I was pretty good as a left-handed pitcher in the years of little league, but learned very quickly the meaning of Romans 12 – verse 3 “not to think more highly of oneself that one ought to think.” In the sports world, you get to experience humility very fast as you move up in the ranks of talented players. Surely, we all have fallen into the mindset of thinking more highly of ourselves……and God has a way of toppling us off that particular mountain top. If you have not experienced it, you will.
So how does God want us to use the individual talents he has gifted us? One thing for sure, God does not want us to use our talents and gifts in a solitary life. An artist (like a musician, singer, painter, actor, craftsman or……) can spend months and years practicing, creating and producing his or her creative work or special craft. God wants all of these folks to share that work with others to enjoy, especially when it brings glory to God and not oneself. I know we all enjoy the music and singing in worship and the baking and cooking delights when we share meals in the fellowship hall…..especially, for me, that chocolate meringue pie!
In verses 6-8, Paul lists a bunch of gifts and talents of the believers ( not all of them). One of them is teaching. Teaching is to be exercised without the need to be acknowledged and the want to be admired. We see how Jesus, in Luke 20:46-47, said “to beware of the scribes who loved to be noticed in the marketplace and the best seats at the banquets”……they were condemned for this attitude.
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What is the right way to be generous? We are not to be like the “righteous men” in Matthew 6:1-2 who were givers of alms so that they would be noticed or honored. We are to give generously and cheerfully without the need to have folks know of our giving. This should include our service and talents, not just the gifts of prosperity that God has provided. For ALL of these gifts are given to us by the grace of God.
Therefore, “since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us each exercise them accordingly.” Romans12:6. When we exercise (physicality or mentally) we need to work the muscles of the body and areas of the mind otherwise they atrophy. If you have ever had to wear a cast or been disabled or a period of time, you will know how difficult it is to recover. We have a purpose to discern our God-given talents and use them. It may take awhile before we realize a talent or have a parent or good friend encouraging us. But once we do find them
we must exercise them to the fullest potential. God will give us the strength and endurance to complete the work for Him. He wants us to succeed, all we need to do is seek when He reveals it and it will be done. Amen
We all have gifts to share so get to know yours and begin sharing;