How can we recognize and use our God-given talents for His glory? Scripture Focus “and He has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability, and knowledge in all kinds of craftsmanship,” (Exodus 35:31) The Giver Behind the Gift • God Himself “has filled” His people—talents are not self-made • The Spirit supplies wisdom, understanding, and practical know-how • Whatever the ability—art, leadership, teaching, hospitality—it comes from the same Source (1 Corinthians 12:4-6) Recognizing Our Talents • Pay attention to what you do well and enjoy; giftedness is often accompanied by delight • Listen to trusted believers who affirm, “You’re really good at…”; God frequently confirms through community • Notice where fruit appears easily; enduring results signal Spirit-given capacity (John 15:4-5) • Stay in Scripture and prayer; the Spirit who gave the talent also clarifies its purpose Why the Spirit’s Filling Matters • Gifts without the Spirit’s control drift toward pride (1 Corinthians 13:1-3) • His filling aligns skill with holiness; craftsmanship becomes worship, not merely production • The same power that gifted Bezalel empowers believers today (Ephesians 3:20) Putting Talents to Work for His Glory • Serve the body: “As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another” (1 Peter 4:10) • Aim for excellence: “Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men” (Colossians 3:23) • Multiply, don’t bury: the parable of the talents commends faithful risk (Matthew 25:14-30) • Let light shine: visible good works redirect praise to the Father (Matthew 5:16) Guardrails for Faithful Service • Humility—remember the Source (James 1:17) • Dependence—seek fresh filling, not past experience (Ephesians 5:18) • Accountability—invite correction so the gift stays pure (Proverbs 27:17) • Gratitude—regularly thank God and others involved in your growth (Psalm 92:1) Encouragement for Every Gift “We have different gifts according to the grace given to us…” (Romans 12:6). Variety is by design; each believer’s contribution completes the mosaic of Christ’s work on earth. Recognize, develop, and deploy your talent, confident that the One who filled you will also finish His masterpiece through you. |
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