Gifts and Talents from God
By Art Dmytriyev
Yancey County
Have you ever wondered about the most important things in life? What are those? Most people would agree on obtaining material possessions, health, and strength. Some are going to suggest having money and power. However, there are only a few who possess the spiritual gifts and talents that they can use throughout their whole lives. Let us look at this category more specifically, considering the types of spiritual gifts the Holy Spirit gives and how to identify these spiritual gifts. Also, think about how someone can use the spiritual gifts of God. Can we lose our spiritual gifts? What should we do to be good stewards of our spiritual gifts?
The Bible tells us that everyone receives at least one talent from the Lord. Matthew 25:14–15 KJV, says, “For the kingdom of heaven is as a man traveling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.” This parable talks about God distributing His gifts and talents to the people. God is the guide for our spiritual gifts. Since it is the Holy Spirit that empowers us with these abilities, we don’t have to worry about our own insecurities or limitations. God can use a willing person for amazing things, simply because they have faith in Him.
The Scripture makes it clear that the Holy Spirit distributes the gifts. In 1Corinthians 12:8–11 KJV: “For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.” God, the Holy Spirit, decides about gifts and talents. It’s all about the body of Christ. Ephesians 4:11–12 KJV: “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:”
Some people have a gift for offering wisdom and knowledge, whether it be through public speaking, writing, or mass media, to reach people across the world. Those gifted with great faith can share it with others, helping them through a spiritual struggle. Others have a talent for healing, either physically or emotionally. One person might be skilled at working with teenagers, while another is good at leading projects and delegating tasks.
Our spiritual gifts can be a key component in our growth in Christ, and it only makes sense that we’re supposed to use them responsibly. All these things are God-given gifts that are best used for the good of others, not just ourselves. The best way to honor God with the talents we have is to use them the way He asks us to. We must keep our eyes open and be ready to hear God’s voice. If someone needs help, we should be ready to lend a hand. The simple act of stepping in and helping someone can reveal the skills God gave us. As we pray daily, God may bring us into situations that help us discover the ways we’re gifted.
We may conclude with the passage from 1 Peter 4:10–11 KJV: “As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.”
Dear Reader, how about your talents and gifts that you have received FROM God? Do you have any? Would you be willing to dedicate and use them FOR God?
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Pastor Art Dmytriyev is originally from Siberia. He has traveled the world in Evangelism and pastoral ministry. He serves as a pastor in North Carolina, holds a Master of Divinity degree, and is currently a Doctor of Ministry candidate. More information at: https://burnsvillenc.adventistchurch.org/pastors-blog
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