Using All Your Talents

What are you good at? Do you have a beautiful voice? Are you good with numbers? Is there no machine you cannot fix? Or are you a good listener? Maybe you are someone who makes friends easily?

For some people, discovering their talent is not easy. We may feel confused because our talent is not as obvious as someone gifted in drawing or playing basketball. But do not be afraid! We are all born with our own talents, and God is behind all of it!

The Heart of the Champion

I read about a very inspiring figure in the book "The Heart of the Champion". She was an American athlete named Mildred “Babe” Didrikson. She was nicknamed “Babe,” like a famous baseball player, because of her great skill at hitting home run in baseball games.

Babe was a gifted person, but she did not stop there. She was a hard worker. Because of that effort, she was not only good at baseball. She was highly skilled in many sports!

While still in high school, she joined her school basketball team and became their top scorer. Then, she helped her amateur team win a national title. Her team sponsor formed a track-and-field team, and Babe excelled not in just one or two events. Not even in three, four, five, or six events. She excelled in all ten events!

Babe competed in the 1932 Olympics in Los Angeles and won gold medals in the javelin throw and hurdles. Not only that, she broke world records in three events at once! (She was disqualified in the high jump because of the new technique she used. The very technique most commonly used in high jump today!)

Later on, she learned to play golf. She became a world-class amateur golfer and once won 17 tournaments in a row! In 1953, she developed cancer, withdrew from sports, then returned to golf. She won the Ben Hogan trophy for “The Greatest Comeback” in 1955.

Sadly, her cancer returned and she died at the age of 42. In her relatively short life, she was an unfailing example of someone who seemed determined to develop every talent she had and use it while she could.

Are We Hiding Our Talents?

We have surely read the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30). Jesus told His famous parable using financial terms to teach us that what matters greatly to God is that we fully use all the gifts He has given us.

In the athletic arena, Babe Didriksen was a five-talent woman. When we look at her life, it is clear that she used them all and gained even more.

In the spiritual realm, perhaps not many of us may have five talents. But, whatever talents we have, we are called to develop everything we have for God. It is wrong and selfish if we keep our talents and do not use them. It is wrong if we have five and use only two. Even more so if we have one and bury it in the ground.

“After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. The servant who had received the five talents came and brought five more talents. He said: Master, you entrusted five talents to me; see, I have gained five more. His master said to him: Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a little, I will put you in charge of much. Enter into your master’s joy.”  Matthew 25:19-21

What Is My Talent?

God has indeed given each of us gifts and talents, qualities that we possess more than others. Some people have the gift of encouraging, some have the gift of serving, and others have the gift of leading.

Some people are blessed financially so they can contribute. Others, like Babe, are gifted with athletic ability. Some are given administrative sharpness and others the ability to take action.

Some people have deep compassion and the capacity to listen attentively. Others have a pleasant quality that makes them quick to become a “friend.” Some have the ability to teach and train, helping others grow in their understanding of God’s word.

Whatever talent God has given you, what you have is something that is needed. It is important to realize how you can use your talents to serve others.

What if you are still confused about your talent? Perhaps the following steps can help you discover your talent:

1. Ask several people who know you well.
2. Think specifically, how can you use that gift? Maybe you need to start with something small. But, if you persevere and have faith, your talent will grow greater.
3. What obstacles may keep you from growing the talent you have? Maybe shyness, lack of confidence, hesitation, or something else that holds you back. Make a strategy to step out of your comfort zone and set goals to help you track your growth. You can discuss it with your spiritual partner!

Babe Didrikson was not satisfied with only a few successes. She tried and became skilled in basketball, running, javelin, hurdles, high jump, and golf. . In the same way, we are not limited to just one gift or talent. God is very great at “multiplying our talents.” He rejoices when turning our weaknesses into strengths.

When we pour our effort into living for Him, He can add to the talents we already have. By God’s strength, a shy person can become someone who inspires others. A careless and undisciplined person can be transformed into a dependable example.

The challenge is not to feel comfortable in our position, but to deny ourselves and grow. Keep developing your talents. Learn from people who have developed their talents and use your talents to glorify God (Luke 6:40)!

Serve one another, each according to the gift he has received, as good stewards of the grace of God.

1 Peter 4:10

*This article is adapted from the chapter Using All Your Talents from the book The Heart of the Champion, published by Berean Publication House. - Church GKDI is currently in 35 cities. We have Bible Study activities in every area. If you need information or would like to get involved, contact us at contact Church GKDI Official: WhatsApp 0821 2285 8686 or Facebook / Instagram GKDI Official

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