Not by talent

One of the servants answered, “I have seen a son of Jesse of Bethlehem who knows how to play the lyre. He is a brave man and a warrior. He speaks well and is a fine-looking man. And the Lord is with him.” 1 Samuel 16:18

Those who are most talented are the most tempted to stop trusting in the Lord. Talent alone can get results, but at the expense of God not being glorified and humility lost. However, talent under the control of the Holy Spirit is beautiful to behold, like a champion race horse sensitive to his jockey’s every instruction—he see obstacles as opportunities to learn from his master. Our abilities unrestrained by self-reliance have exponential impact in the hands of the Lord.

David was a handsome multi-talented: musician, dancer, poet, warrior, leader and communicator who enjoyed the favor of God. But in spite of his incredible giftedness, he suffered a couple of major setbacks in his life: once as a young man due to his reactive anger and fearful panic toward his father-in-law King Saul, and again later in life due to his hubris from success—he committed adultery and murder. Though a man after God’s heart, David sadly had seasons where he isolated himself and took matters into his own hands, resulting in the consequences of sin’s devastating effects.

He cried out in contrition:

“Do not remember the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you, Lord, are good. Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in his ways. He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way” (Psalm 25:7-9).

Do you regularly dedicate your gifts and talents to God to be used for His purposes? A gifted speaker sees themselves as a channel of truth to help others follow God’s will—merely a messenger with words from the One who is the creator and sustainer of all good things. A talented leader reminds themselves often to first follow Christ before they attempt to lead others. It is through the ongoing process of self-surrender to your Savior that people are able to see Jesus in your life.

We are on the right track when we view our work and service as worship to the Lord. Thus a parent remains a dependent child of God—so they can gently, wisely and patiently parent their child. Praise to God frees us to appropriately praise another and not ourselves. We enjoy the Spirit’s habitation, as He quietly and precisely leads us in our moment by moment activities. A worshipful life focuses its admiration on Jesus Christ and refuses to take credit for good fruit. Humility gives credit to the originator and sustainer of all gifts and talents—Almighty God.

“Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change” (James 1:16-17).