"God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another." -1 Peter 4:10
I’d never thought about talents in this way. But our God is a Creator, a creative father who gave all us different talents— not just for our benefit, but to use for His glory. We each have a unique personality with a matching set of skills and talents— all gifts from a loving Father who intends on us using them to change the world and glorify Him in the process. You don’t have to go out and acquire new skills to please God, nor should you shove your already-there talents and unique gifts under the rug or just use them on a rainy day. You already have the best ways to honor and praise God in you— given to you directly by the Creator himself; he knit you and formed you exactly as you were meant to be before you even knew who you were going to be.
For me, I’ve always loved to write, and have used my writing by blogging and writing devotionals for a devotional magazine, hoping that it helps others love and know God more. I’ve always loved art and being creative, so I use Bible journaling and Bible art as a way to worship and learn more about God.
Think about it: What talents do you have? What skills and abilities come naturally to you? Whatever you do, and whatever talents you have, offer them to the world not just as something you’re good at, but as a living offering to glorify the creator who made you with those very abilities.
As Shauna Niequist says in her book Present Over Perfect, “The world will tell you how to live, if you let it. Don’t let it. Take up your space. Raise your voice. Sing your song. This is your chance to make or remake a life that thrills you.”
Do not be scared to use the talents and gifts already placed in you to make a difference somehow. Do not let the world tell you that your gifts can’t make a difference.
You are called to use your gifts to bring the Kingdom to earth, so don’t be afraid to sing your song or write your words— you never know how God may use them.
About the Author
Jordan Taylor is a 22 year old student living in the suburbs of Nashville, her lifelong hometown. She is currently studying to be an English teacher, and hopes to have a classroom full of crazy, loud middle schoolers in her near future! Jordan enjoys reading, long walks (anywhere, not just the beach!), crafting, listening to music, playing with her pug, Lola, and writing. She is learning how to be brave, love adventure, and try new things (a lifetime work in progress!). Jordan loves Jesus with all that she is, and is learning to let Him love her too. She enjoys rambling and writing about her faith at her blog,
http://taylorjm.blogspot.com/, and is excited to share her journey with you all on DOD!
