The PassionSample

Have you ever felt as though you got somewhat looked over when God was giving out ‘talents’? And that everyone else seems to be clearly spiritually gifted in ways you are not? When asked what gifts and talents God has given me, I always feel mildly embarrassed to reel off a list of things I think I might be good at. ‘Tall poppy syndrome’ in Australian culture does an excellent job of looking in judgement at those who celebrate their wins or skills.

But, something a friend said to me completely shifted how I saw the spiritual gifts God gives us. They are gifts from God. They are not things we would naturally have otherwise. Talents come in a variety of forms. To celebrate and cultivate what God has given us actually glorifies Him! When we remember that they are from His strength and not our own, we can confidently steward and use these gifts to love others and grow His kingdom. This passage reminds us that the talents, gifts and resources we have are from God. To ‘bury’ or dismiss them is to sell God short of what He can and wants to do through us.

Today, ponder this: What is one of the spiritual gifts God has given you, and how can you use it today to love others and bring Him glory?