Your Talents Are His Gifts

Bradley Bizer in his book J.R.R. Tolkien’s Sanctifying Myth writes…

“J.R.R. Tolkien, the British author of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, was a devout Christian who wanted his books to awaken people to the biblical struggle between good and evil. Tolkien also humbly believed that all his creativity was a "supreme gift" which came straight from God. While he was working as a university professor, Tolkien had the following experience, which he claimed was the beginning of The Hobbit and then eventually The Lord of the Rings:

I was doing the dull work of correcting exam papers when I came upon a blank page someone had turned in—a boon to all exam makers. I turned it over and wrote on the back, ‘In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit" [that sentence would become the first line for The Hobbit]. I'd never even heard of a hobbit or used the word before.’

Later on he would also say, ‘I have long ceased to invent [my stories]. I wait till I seem to know what really happened. Or till it writes itself.’ And in a personal letter he described his writing process: ‘The Other Power [God] then took over: the Writer of the Story (by which I do not mean myself), that one ever-present Person who is never absent …'”

The Psalmist beautifully captured your creation when he said, “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth.” (Psalm 139:14–15) Note that you were “intricately woven”. This carries the idea of a multi-colored tapestry that is carefully, beautifully, and purposefully designed by God. And no two tapestries are alike. That is, you and me!

The point is, each of us are uniquely crafted and gifted by God on purpose and for God’s glory. Your talents and abilities are a part of that unique design and are to be used like Tolkien’s to honor and serve God. Understanding this is vital to finding fulfillment and meaning in life. Further, understanding this and presenting your gifts/talents back to your creator makes you extremely useful to God and impactful for His Kingdom.
It also…

• Prevents you from trying to be someone that God didn’t create you to be. It lets you be the original “tapestry” that God designed you to be.
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• Gives you perspective on why you enjoy some areas of ministry more than others. It will help you understand the intersection of your spiritual gifts, natural talents, and passions.
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• Protects you from the “green-eyed monster”—jealousy! If you understand how God has made you, you won’t envy the gifts/talents of others, wishing they were yours. You’ll be content and competent when you recognize your God-given unique qualities.

Sunday I’ll be preaching on this subject. Listen carefully and allow God to help you discover the unique gifts and talents that He has given you… On Purpose!

And remember, God is always trying to take you someplace new. I love being your Pastor!

For God’s Glory Alone,
Pastor Ray

Image credit: Unsplash