Use Your Gifts

Use Your Gifts

All who are skilled among you are to come and make everything the LORD has commanded.

Exodus 35:10, NIV

My daughter Jasmine loves, among many things, to sing. At just seven years old she is already making up her own songs, practicing tunes on the piano, and performing them regularly for my husband and me. Seeing the passion she has, we are sure to encourage her writing and performing.

One spring she asked our pastor if she could sing during a service, then she bravely got up and shared her song with our church community, who praised her for her courage. Another time, when we’d invited our neighbors over for dinner, she again asked if they’d like to hear her song. They agreed, and once she was done, one of our neighbors was so touched that she asked if Jasmine would sing it again. My neighbor later told me how moved she was by Jasmine’s little song, and I just nodded, struck by how my daughter’s words had meant so much to her.

As I’ve thought more about Jasmine’s songs and the impact they’ve had on others, I’ve realized that what is most moving to people is not just her talent but the sincerity and the heart behind what she shares. In a world that can often be insincere and fake, people notice when we are passionate and genuine in our words and actions. She sincerely and unashamedly uses her gifts to bless others.

It is no accident that we are all gifted in unique ways. God asks each of us to use our gifts and talents and skills for him, not from an attitude of pride in ourselves, but humbly, in a way that brings glory to him. When we operate out of the gifts God has given to each of us, we honor him and bless others by being living examples of his goodness and kindness.

—Kendra

— Today’s Act of Kindness —

What gifts or talents has God given you? Instead of being ashamed or hiding them, use them to bless someone else.