Each of us has talents. Some excel in sports, writing, speaking, or some other pursuit. Some seem to have natural talents and others acquire their abilities over time. No matter how you gain the talent or ability, these talents can help in different areas of your life. But how do you use those talents in the most important area of life, in the Lord’s kingdom? Let’s consider some of the areas in which we can put our talents to valuable use for God.
Speaking the word of God to others is one of the hardest things for some to do. Some seem to a natural talent to do it, while others work over time to acquire it, but all can do it and in fact are commanded to: “…go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen” (Matthew 28:19-20). All Christians are commanded to teach all nations, but some have done it longer than others. Those who have done it longer can help teach those who haven’t done it as long. This can be done by praying together, going together on personal Bible studies, going together on door knocking’s or other instances where the more experienced can be an example and encouragement to those who are not as comfortable. Those who are learning can seek guidance and help in preparing what to say and how to say it. No doubt there are many other ways to help teach one another to speak God’s Word better (2 Timothy 2:2).
Another area we can use our talents is in prayer. We are all commanded to pray (Philippians 4:6, 1 Thessalonians 5:17, James 5:16, Ephesians 6:18, Colossians 4:2), but praying in public is difficult for some. Not all men may start off with enough confidence to lead prayer in church or women in gatherings of women. Others can help them feel more confident by teaching and encouraging them. And of course the example of those who are comfortable leading can strengthen and teach those learning.
Yet another way God speaks of us using our talents is in the area of singing. While all are commanded to sing (Colossians 3:16; Ephesians 5:19; 1 Corinthians 14:15) there is the need for some to lead in this act of worship. Some seem to have a natural ability with their voice and easily learn to read music and lead in singing. These can not only use that talent, but can help others in increasing their ability to sing and maybe even lead in singing.
Many are the talents people may have. Certain people may have engineering, mechanical, etc knowledge. Those people can help maintain the building we gather at for church. But the truth is that each of us has different talents, either now or those which we will acquire over time. The key is finding where we can use those talents as God’s servants as we do different “good works” (2 Timothy 3:17).
We don’t want to be the man in Matthew 25:25, that hid what was given to him, rather than trying to get more from it. We should invest the time into different talents, finding more ways we can help continue spread the gospel and do other good works for God’s glory.
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