It was a Friday night, vespers worship had just finished,
and a young lady approaches me and expresses, “I don’t have any gifts or
talents… I wish I did…” That night many young college students had delighted us
with very beautiful worship: Some sang, few played, others acted, and one
preached –very talented young men and women.
Unfortunately, many of us relate the phrase talented people or gifted individuals with those who play an instrument, sing
beautifully, and/or do something out of the ordinary. Nonetheless, scripture
states “for as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not
have the same function… Having then GIFTS differing according to the grace that
is given to us…” (Romans 12:4,6). Yes! Each and every one of us have gifts and talents,
which have been given to us from the Lord according to His grace. The question
is, how do I know what gifts I have?[1] What
is the purpose of these?
REFLECTION
I’ve come to learn that reflection is the ability to
1.
Analyze experiences
2.
Compare them with previous knowledge
3.
Extract new knowledge from them
Ø
Therefore, take some time to do some reflection
regarding your life. Grab pen and paper, set some alone time, pray, and ask
your self these questions: What experiences have I gone through where someone
has recognized or rewarded my efforts? What is it that I enjoy doing? What
brings satisfaction to my life when it comes to dealing with others? Many of us
do things so robotically that we forget we are very good at doing at least ONE
thing. What are you good at?
Ø
By comparing those experiences with previous
knowledge you will inevitably grow. This mirror will show your flaws, create
conscious that you can do better, and teach you a lesson or two. Remember, we
will NEVER stop learning.
Ø
Extracting new knowledge from these experiences
will equip and give you the opportunity to take action –put your gifts to work!
It will take you from the classroom to the field where you will attain new
gifts and talents.
PURPOSE
In regards to the second questions stated earlier, God has
given us gifts and talents so we may be divine instruments and utilized by the
Almighty Lord to reach others for His kingdom. Luke 19 teaches we will give
account to the Lord in regards to how we used our gifts and talents.
A couple of weeks ago the Lord taught me He has put many of
us in positions in different kind of lines of work so we may develop and
exercise our gifts and talents. He showed me this through police officer James
Quintanilla. As a law enforcement agent, he has learned to recognize and speak
with authority; Jesus and the centurion had this in common (Matthew 8:5-13).
As we and the I AM Ministries
team were out doing outreach on a hot, 105-degree weather, Sabbath afternoon, James
was encountered with some youngsters and several families who responded
positively to his authoritative voice, door knock (cop style), and his several
questions just like any cop would ask.
However, in this case, it was more of a,
-“You need to get right with the
Lord. And you definitively need some Bible studies.”
Response?
-“Yes, sir!”
While you are not indispensable in the Lord’s line of work,
you have been equipped, prepared, and shaped for a particular ministry with
some awesome God-given talents. Look up and DREAM BIG!
Blessings,
Pastor Sergio Ochaeta.
Pastor Sergio Ochaeta.
[1]
There are a few places where you can take a gift assessment. You may look
others online but I found these ones helpful:
