Dude, Where’s My Talent May 8, 2009
Scripture:
Matthew 25:29 “To those who use well what they are given, more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who are unfaithful, even what little they have will be taken away.”
Observation:
Despite knowing better, in my heart I feel like I don’t really have anything to offer or to “use well.” When I think about how I could better use my “talent,” I can’t help but be stopped with the begged question: What are my gifts? What could I be offering? Beyond this, I am afraid I am more like the cautious “wicked” servant. I am not ambitious, not particularly given to passion for causes, and even my interests seem fickle.
Application:
Because I know that ultimately it is a lie that I have nothing to offer, I need to seek the truth – I need to figure out what my gifts are and then how to use them.
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for gifting me. I know that you have plans for my life, and tasks for which you created me. I submit my life to you, show me where you want me to go.
Andy, I think everyone has moments of wondering if they are gifted, and if so, what their gifts are. I’ve had those moments. As you said, you know better. You are very gifted: you are blessed with an excellent mind (you’re much brighter than you give yourself credit for); you have extremely good people skills (emotional intelligence is a great gift); you are very creative (this blog is just one example of that); you do a great job at work (you add more than you think). The list goes on. Do you feel “cautious”? I know you have much more inside you, waiting to come out. How can I help you discover and reach your potential?
Love, Dad
Thanks Dad-
I think the way the story is framed almost makes success the goal. How else is there to know whether you’re using your gifts well? I don’t necessarily “feel” cautious, but when I look at my life – I have a hard time identifying risk. In many ways, I’m less concerned with potential (I know God could use me for anything), it’s the “what” that is hard to see (and perhaps, by proxy, the associated gifts).