What are your talents? Are you using your talents?
I’m going to be a bit bold, and say that if you are not using your gifts and talents, you are sinning. I know. That’s harsh.
Think about this with me. Imagine you are a parent of children who refuse to use the school supplies you purchased for them. How frustrating? Maybe you purchased them the expensive plastic folders to help with organization, and they are sitting brand new in their locker. Even more frustrating.
As a believer, we are each given spiritual gifts. My study bible states: “God gives gifts to be used for the benefit of others, not to be buried for safekeeping. You will be called to give an account of how you used the blessings God entrusted to you.” (Evans and Holman Bible Publishers, p. 1409).
Paul advises Timothy about using his gifts in 1 Timothy 4:14.
“Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, which was granted to you through words of prophecy with the laying on of hands by the council of elders.”
1 Timothy 4:14, NASB
Granted, these words were directed at Timothy, whose gift was teacher. But the command can be turned toward all who are believers, all who have been given spiritual gifts. “Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you.”
Jesus shares about using our gifts in the Parable of the Talents (see Matthew 24:14-30).
So, why do we fail to use our gifts? I wonder if we all suffer a bit of an identity crisis.
Do you fail to use your gifts because you do not believe you are gifted?
Do you fail to use your gifts because you fail to see the value of your gifts?
Do you fail to use your gifts because you miss their worth in the Kingdom work?
I have been able to answer each of these questions with a YES or ABSOLUTELY over the years.
I’m not going to cheapen the difficulty of this message with a cliche like “God doesn’t call the equipped, He equips the called.” I am going to be bold and tell you that you must push through. You cannot let these fears paralyze you.
Using our Talents with Confidence
If our Savior was able to confidently go to the cross, who are we to allow fear to keep us from moving forward.
I write these words as I’m preparing to go speak to a group of women. Everytime I prepare to speak, these fears creep in. I don’t have a seminary degree. I didn’t grow up in a home of believers. I didn’t attend a Chrisitan school or university. What makes me an expert, who has the audacity to share scripture?
Then I remember. I am an expert on my story. I am an expert on how Christ called me to be His Child. I am equipped to share the work he has done to shape my identity. I am more than capable because of the creative gifts He has give me.
And sister…YOU ARE TOO!
You may not be called to speak at a women’s event, but YOU are equipped to glorify God using the story, talents, and Truth that the Lord has revealed to you.
Free Bible Journaling Conference
The annual Bible Journaling Conference has officially launched! Mark you calendars for October 16-18, 2024. I have loved sharing God’s Word at this conference for the past few years, and this year, we will be studying Women of the Word! You can register today!! Be sure to follow me on Facebook and Instagram to get more sneak peeks of what to expect this year!
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