God-given abilities

By Sarah Teichmann

A few years ago I was sitting with a Bible Study group and we were talking about the gifts of the spirit. It seemed that as soon as we started talking about spiritual gifts one person spoke up and said, “Well, what I really want is the ability to lead people.” Then another person quickly said, “Oh yeah! I really want the ability to be a good speaker.” Then a cascade of conversation really began. Our conversation seemed to focused on all the personality traits and strengths that we lacked, and none of us focused on the gifts and traits we already had been given.

Does that every happen to you? You’re so focused on the things that you wish you could do, and you dismiss the abilities you already have. I often focus on my inability to play any instruments and I forget my ability to sing or sometimes I really wish that I could be a good story teller and I dismiss the fact that I’m a good listener.

Imagine if you were given a really good gift and never used it. For me it’s like the time I received a gift certificate to a great local restaurant. I never used it and eventually forgot about it. One day I found it and finally remembered to use it. Wow! I had the best time and never realized what I had been missing by not using that gift!

God has given us gifts, too. Have you stopped to think about how you’ve been gifted? Maybe it’s a gift of listening or being compassionate. Perhaps you’re the one who is quick-witted and humorous or maybe it’s the gift of companionship that shines through. Take an inventory and think about how you could use your God-given gifts to make our world a better place—be it with your friends, your family, and those around you.

Don’t dismiss those God-given gifts—use them today and see what marvelous things may happen.