Articles
Use Your Talents
“All the gifted among them who worked on the tabernacle made ten curtains woven of fine linen, and of blue, purple, and scarlet thread; with artistic designs of cherubim they made them “ (Ex. 36:8).
“The gifted artisans” were able to use their God-given talents to help build the Tabernacle, and God has also given each of us gifts meant to help us fulfill God’s dreams for us.
I’m so glad we each have different talents. I admire those whose do things I can’t, though it often makes me sit back and ask: what do I have to offer? But it’s okay that I’m not gifted in those areas; I can only do what I am gifted at. Ask yourself, “Am I using my talents to build the character and heart God desires of me?”
Gifts come in all types, and show up everywhere. It’s the young single woman who helps others in foreign lands realize their potential, or who eases others’ burdens. It’s the young single man who takes a father-less boy under his wing or gives his strength to those with weakened bodies. It’s the mother that quiets a child’s fear or overcomes a missing dad. It’s the man who leads himself and his family to God. It’s the person that fixes a broke teenager’s car or an older person’s computer. It’s the person who’s eager to check in on the struggling.
Instead of dwelling on our weakness, why not focus on our strengths and what we can do? Instead of feeling like we’re in a dead-end relationship, why don’t we do what we can to make it come alive? Instead of becoming discouraged because others do not meet our expectations, why not help them meet their own?
Let’s work to uncover and use our talents with all our hearts. There is so much each one of us can do, so let’s get up and stop whining. Stop navel gazing. Stop the poor me. Help someone carry their burden. Even if it’s simply serving as a doorkeeper in the house of God, do it to help others.
Now that I think about it, there is much I can do.
