This is something that I have thought of in the past and occasionally it comes back to mind. I first began to think about this while reading the biography of Eric Liddell (main character in Chariots of Fire). What I mean by God given talents are the things that come to one naturally, without much effort. We all have something that has been given to us that comes naturally. When we think of gifts, I'm sure the first thing that comes to mind is people who can sing, dance, draw/paint, etc. It will make some of us think we don't have anything that we can do naturally, but that is not true. Some people are naturally organized, some good athletes and others are good administers. I was tempted to think that i did not have any natural gifts. I am in no way artistic, I can't sing, dance well or draw, however, I realized that I do understand things very easily and have the ability to convey thoughts in a clear and concise manner. For a longtime I thought everyone could do it, but realized that is not the case. it is something that I naturally possess. Although not very outward, I can still use this gift.
We are not given these natural gifting's for no good reason, but to do the work of God and glorify Him with them. Exodus 31:1-6 says, "Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying: “See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, to design artistic works, to work in gold, in silver, in bronze, in cutting jewels for setting, in carving wood, and to work in all manner of workmanship.“And I, indeed I, have appointed with him Aholiab the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan; and I have put wisdom in the hearts of all the gifted artisans, that they may make all that I have commanded you:" Also, Exodus 35:10 says, "‘All who are gifted artisans among you shall come and make all that the LORD has commanded:" These people were given talents that not all people possess and they were to be used for God and His work. Of course they didn't only make things for the tabernacle, I'm sure they used these gifts to earn a living, or they made things for the sheer beauty of it. We are to do the same, but if we do not know what has been given to us, how will we use it properly? When asked why he ran, Eric Liddell said, " I believe God made me for a purpose, but He also made me fast. And when I run, I feel His pleasure." When God gives us a gift and we use it, we can feel His pleasure. How many people have a gift that they think is insignificant, so they stifle it?
Although our gifts may be natural or come easy, they still must be cared for and cultivated. Even naturally good singers practice and get lessons. Eric had to train for races and take care of his body if he wanted to win. We must be good stewards of all things that God gives to us. That goes for those not using their natural talents too, you are letting it go to waste, and that is not what God had intended in giving it to you.
If you know what your god given gift is, ask yourself if you are using it. If you are, is it in a God honoring way? If you don't know what your God given talent is, ask God to show you and begin to think of ways you can use it. I understand depending on what it is you can do, you may not have an opportunity to use it right now, but be open to God leading and directing you.
