God has graced us all with gifts and talents that are to be used to His glory. Some of these are known and are very visible to the outside world. Teaching, speaking, praying, singing, athletic ability are some of those that when mentioned I know that I can see them in my minds eye in people that I know. These gifts and talents are used by the individual, not for their own selfish gain, but to bring glory to God. Teaching to bring knowledge and growth to others that they may not have received based on their current station in life. Singing to bring joy to the life of another that finds themselves in a difficult spot. Displaying athletic ability and yet remaining humble and reverent as an outward demonstration of God’s glory and not self-aggrandizement.
There are other gifts and talents that are not so visible to others.
“6Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; 7if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; 8the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.” — Romans 12:6-8 (ESV)
Serving others, exhorting the LORD, leading others, and providing mercy. I do not see these gifts on the regular, although that does not mean they are not happening. In fact, these gifts and talents are sometimes seen as weak and inconsequential, until someone needs them. Service for instance is one that is great in the eyes of God, yet those who serve are often taken advantage of and expected to do more without reward. Leading others using the love of Christ is viewed as weak and soft in the eyes of some and those who lead this way are often overlooked those who are more demonstrative. Mercy is one that we are all to provide as instructed by Jesus, yet those who provide mercy in the world are often considered lacking toughness.
All gifts and talents given by God are useful and necessary to bring glory to Him. Where we are all to take these actions to bring glory to God, some are gifted in those area and I have to remember to be on the look out for them and celebrate those gifts and talent with those who are displaying them.
I read somewhere once before and believe if wholeheartedly, “if you see something you like, recognize it and you will see more of it”. I have to remember that with the gifts and talents provided by God. I have to see more of those gifts and talents that are provided by God and recognize them as being great. When I do, those displaying the gifts and talents will be more inclined to do more of the same with confidence knowing that they are indeed doing the work of God using that which He provided them.
What gifts and talents do you have? Are you seeing gifts and talents in others? What if you were to see the gifts and talents of others and recognize them to lift up those demonstrating them, no matter how insignificant they may seem?
Trevor's Thoughts 