Gifts and Talents

“Each one, as a good manager of God's different gifts, must use for the good of others the special gift he has received from God.” (1 Peter 4:10 GNB)

Programs for gifted and talented students offer enrichment activities as well as accelerated learning. The message is clear early on: with proper nurturing, talent can be used to get ahead. We expect gifts to be personally beneficial, pleasurable, or useful. The world teaches us to use every opportunity and all our aptitude to acquire more--more power, more admiration, more feathers in our cap. 

We apply the same paradigm for spiritual gifts. We look at charismatic gifts, unique talents, and blessings as opportunities for advancement. Thus, gifts that increase our stature and popularity seem more desirable. Take, for instance,the gift of compassion. Passion is what we are willing to suffer for; thus, compassion is a willingness to join in the suffering of others. A willingness to assist in carrying another’s burden is a gift to the sufferer but not to the compassionate person. Another example is the gift of discernment which gives one a heightened sensitivity to the spiritual dimension. This may seem like a desirable ability, but it can be a heavy responsibility. Pointing out things that people don’t want to accept makes one unpopular. Discernment and understanding, like all other spiritual gifts, are not meant for the advancement of the carrier but for those whom they serve. 

God gives us gifts, abilities, and blessings--not to use for our own benefit but for the good of others. We must always remember that our fiefdoms are still under God’s Kingdom. It would be unscrupulous for a steward to profit and pad his own pocket with the Master’s assets.  We are meant to be managers--administrators who are given responsibilities and held accountable for how we use the resources we have been given. Thus, it is imperative to take every gift and redirect it in ways that are pleasing to God.