“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace” I Peter 4:10, ESV
Have you ever looked at a piece of artwork or something someone designed and thought to yourself, “man, I wish I had that kind of talent”? I know I have. I find it so impressive when people have the ability to create beautiful pieces of art or come up with some kind of creation or invention that the masses find useful or write lyrics to a song that touches the soul. I come from a long line of artistic and creative people: my father crafts things from wood, one of my brothers crafts from metal, the other designs digitally, and my son has an incredible skill at creating something useful out of almost anything. That’s just a few of the men in the family. My grandmother, mother, sister, and even my daughter, sew and have made the most beautiful quilts from scratch. I own treasures each one of them has created and consider them priceless. Then there’s me …. the one who somehow sewed the sleeve to the front of a dress in home economics class and whose sewing skills barely go as far as reattaching a button. My answer for fixing a hem in a pair of slacks is either a safety pin or a stapler. Yes, that’s how bad it is – no shame here.
As much as I wish I could put together a quilt or make beautiful creations with my hands, I come up a little (okay, a lot) short. Every once in a while, my mom teases me about my sewing skills. It’s okay though, I’ve come to terms with it and figured out a way get around it. I just save everything up for her that needs mending! She may not admit it, but she loves that I still need her for that.
We aren’t created equal when it comes to gifts and talents. The things my family is good at, I couldn’t even attempt to do. Likewise, there are things I’m capable of that they are unable to do. It doesn’t mean they are more talented than me, it just means we’re talented differently. The same goes for you. For the longest, I felt inadequate because I couldn’t do things as well as, or in the same way, as others. I have since come to understand that I was created with a purpose and that purpose flows out of the gifts and talents that have been formed in me by the Creator. My responsibility is to develop those talents, become the best I can be at them and use them for the glory of God. The way that I’m gifted, whether it’s with my hands, my mind or my heart, isn’t what’s most important. It’s that I use my talents and share what I have with others that pleases God. So, if you’re like me and can’t sew buttons on your britches, have no fear! God gave you the gifts and talents that suit you. They are unique and individual and have the ability to touch others in a way no one else can.
Scriptures
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." Ephesians 2:10, ESV
“Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them” Romans 12:6, ESV
“Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone.” I Corinthians 12:4-6
Prayer:
Lord, I thank you for making me uniquely me. I admit, sometimes I struggle in my confidence with the talents you have gifted me with. Today I choose to put my trust in You, the One who created me with a specific talent set just for me. Show me how I can use them to bless and minister to others and bring glory to Your Name.
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