His master replied, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” (Matthew 25:21, NIV)
Professional golfers are often described as talented. Some amateurs are talented as well. The rest of us golfers may be trying our best but could hardly be described as talented.
What is the difference between talent and hard work? Why do some people seem to have success at what they do so much easier than others who are trying equally hard? To be a successful professional, a golfer must both be gifted with talent and also work very hard to use that talent to its fullest potential.
The combination of our God-given talent, our hard work, and his amazing grace will result in our greatest opportunity to please God.As Christians, we are faced with the same situation. We are each perfectly gifted for the purpose God has placed us on earth to accomplish. Our part is to take the gifts and talents God has given to us and allow them to be used by him for his purpose. We should not compare ourselves with anyone else. Each person has a separate purpose and a set of talents to accomplish that purpose. Being jealous of another person’s ability does not further the kingdom. Being proud of our talent and ability is equally dangerous.
There is a lot riding on how we use what God gives us. First and foremost, we must remember that every talent and ability we have is a gift from God. We didn’t do anything to deserve it and we should remember that it came from him. That will keep us from becoming proud and haughty. We cannot and should not take pride in what we have been given. On the other hand, it is our responsibility to use those gifts to help advance the Kingdom.
We should do all we can to develop the talent God has given us. We are not called to bury our talent in the sand and act like we don’t have it. We are called to work hard and trust God to help us become the very best version of ourselves—or, we might say, our very best version of him (Christlikeness). This combination of our God-given talent, our hard work, and his amazing grace will result in our greatest opportunity to please God.
How we use what God has given us is a test of our true heart. None of us deserve the gifts and talents we have been given, but all of us are responsible to invest them into a life that reflects the knowledge that they are gifts from God to be used for his glory.
—
Linda Ballard
November 1, 2018
Copyright 2018 Links Players International
The Links Daily Devotional appears Monday-Friday at www.linksplayers.com.