God’s Got Talent

Growing up, I always loved watching “America’s Got Talent” and similar performance-related shows.

I always found it fascinating to see people display such different passions. One person had spent thousands of hours perfecting the accordion, while another loved something totally opposite. But each was trying to use their giftings for something good.

So often I think our present-day culture focuses on how we can personally benefit from the gifts God has given us. We take our skills, passions, and talents and seek money, success, notoriety and fame. Whether we’re on “American Idol” or slaving away in the office 80 hours a week, it’s easy to become painfully self-focused on how the use of our gifts will get us more of what WE want.

God created you with beautiful, incredible, intricate giftings and passions. And as much as Western culture might confuse you, He didn’t give them to you to simply create a life of self-indulgent living. God commands us to see our giftings not as more for us, but as opportunities for others. 1 Peter 4 teaches us this about relating to others:

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.

- 1 Peter 4:8-10

We are called to love deeply and to use our gifts to serve others. How are you stewarding what God has given you?

Do you ever get wrapped up in the “me first” mentality that permeates so much of culture in 2021? What would happen if you flipped that thinking and saw your gifts as an opportunity to serve? Perhaps that keen intelligence isn’t just a way to build up your vacation fund; maybe you could educate and empower youth in need. I wonder if that incredible musical ability isn’t just to show off at parties; maybe you could bring joy to people who are hurting through your art.

I think, so often, we become self-focused because we feel like servant-hearted living is trying to take from us. But this is where we must flip our perspective. I don’t think God wants you to use your gifts to serve others because He doesn’t want you to have anything for yourself. I think He wants you to serve because it will actually allow you to enjoy what He’s given you in greater fullness. You will begin to see yourself and your life and your talents as assets for God’s kingdom and gospel, and that’s way more powerful than a killer performance on America’s Got Talent.

What do you have to give? What has God given you? And how might you love and serve others with those things? How might God change the world and create beautiful opportunities for connection with the incredible gifts he has given you?

Let’s look for one way this week to steward God’s blessings well. To look outward instead of inward. And to love others, because Christ first loved us.

Cristina Schmitter

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