Don’t Neglect Your Gifts

Everybody has talents such as music, painting, writing, and sculpting. This applies to both natural and spiritual gifts. Those giftings can be strengthened and improved upon through use or made dormant through abandonment. In 1 Timothy 4:14, Paul wrote, “Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership.” Notice in his follow-up epistle to Timothy, the apostle wrote, “Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.” (2 Timothy 1:6) It’s like the old saying, “Use it or lose it.”

Sadly many of God’s people don’t use their giftings. In the past, creative people have often gone into the world to showcase their talents because religious leaders didn’t provided outlets for them. Fortunately more churches nowadays are making room for Christians to let their gifts shine. I’ve been to a few services where artists drew or painted prophetic art during the praise and worship.

In the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30), Jesus talked about three servants who gave account for their stewardship. One of the servants who didn’t use the talent given to him was sharply rebuked by his master. Don’t let that happen to you! Whatever creative abilities you have blessed with, don’t be concerned about what other people might think. If your motive is to glorify the Lord, doors will open for you if you step out in faith.

“A man’s gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men.” - Proverbs 18:16

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