Changed by Christ

Gifts or Skills

Let’s talk today about gifts.

What was the last gift you received? (I’m not talking about spiritual gifts or trying to be all dramatic)

Why did you get the gift? Occasion?

Think about a gift you received that you used the longest or you may even still have or use to this day.

What makes a good gift, and a bad gift?

What is a talent or skill? I like to define them as a gift you are giving to the world, to those around you. Something you share of yourself. Examples of these are art, music, medicine, construction, but it can also be non-material things like friendliness, faithfulness, encouragement, etc.

So let’s look into scripture regarding our gifts.

The talents and skills that we have are really gifts given to us by God. You think you just invented the ability to play basketball so well? You think you learned how to sing all on your own in your own strength? Where do you think we get our talent or skill?

Let’s see some examples in the Bible:
Exodus 28:3 Tell all the skilled men to whom I have given wisdom in such matters that they are to make garments for Aaron, for his consecration, so he may serve me as priest.

Exodus 31:2 “See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts- to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze,..

However, just because you have an innate ability to do something doesn’t always mean it is just automatic and we don’t have to work at it. If you sit on the couch and play video games all day, you can’t expect your body to take a big hit on the football field; you can’t expect you will be able to preach the sermon if you haven’t even opened the Bible. So, why do we have to work at it?

Working at our skills and talents will improve them and fine tune them, make us better. This makes a good name for ourselves and ultimately should bring glory to God and the gifts he has given us.

Show yourself faithful: 1 Kings 7:14 …Huram was highly skilled and experienced in all kinds of bronze work. He came to King Solomon and did all the work assigned to him.

Our gifts are to be used for others and for God.
We already said that a true gift or skill is one that is given to others. Let’s see some examples of using our gifts.

Exodus 26:1 “Make the tabernacle with ten curtains of finely twisted linen and blue, purple and scarlet yarn, with cherubim worked into them by a skilled craftsman.

1 Chronicles 15:22 Kenaniah the head Levite was in charge of the singing; that was his responsibility because he was skillful at it.

Daniel 5:12 This man Daniel, whom the king called Belteshazzar, was found to have a keen mind and knowledge and understanding, and also the ability to interpret dreams, explain riddles and solve difficult problems. Call for Daniel, and he will tell you what the writing means.”

Genesis 41:15 Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I had a dream, and no one can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.”

Sometimes, thankfully, we even would be paid for our skills too.
1 Kings 5:6 “So give orders that cedars of Lebanon be cut for me. My men will work with yours, and I will pay you for your men whatever wages you set. You know that we have no one so skilled in felling timber as the Sidonians.”

Genesis 47:6 ..and the land of Egypt is before you; settle your father and your brothers in the best part of the land. Let them live in Goshen. And if you know of any among them with special ability, put them in charge of my own livestock.”

God gives us our talents and skills not so we can glorify in them or expect them to take care of us, but sometimes because of His love for us that may in fact happen. We might end up getting that job because we have a certain skill, or we might get that record label or start that business. We just have to keep it all in God’s line and command.

Deuteronomy 8:18 But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today.

When it comes to the gifts, talents that God has given you, first, realize it’s from God. Honor Him with your gifts, make His Name be praised. Second, work on it, be faithful to that skill and develop it, don’t just treat it with arrogance and abuse. And finally, use it for others and trust God to take care of you and bless you. Like mentioned above, don’t make profit your drive but rather trust God to always take care of you as you give of yourself.

Blessings.