Trading Talents - Part 1

Hello blogger friends!

If you've read my last post, you'd know that today I'm going to be writing about how we can be using our specific and precious talents for the glory of the One who gave them to us. This is a huge subject, and TBH, one I'm quite passionate about - so at this stage I think I'll be doing a blog series on it! 😊

So. Everybody is talented. And I'm not trying to be cheesy or corny. And I guess when we think of "talented", we think high IQs, junior chess genuises, or incredibly gifted artists. Or, well, maybe not exactly that - perhaps more just like "special".

But according to Google, *puts on Siri voice*, the definition of talented is:

 

        

 talented

/ˈtaləntɪd/

adjective

adjective: talented

 Having a natural aptitude or skill for something.

   ''a talented young musician"

    So, when I say "everybody is talented", this is what I mean: everybody has a natural 

    aptitude or skill for something. Even if you feel like the most ordinary young adult to walk the planet, you are talented in that sense of the word. You have a talent; it might be small or big, but I'm guessing anyone reading this has at least one gift from God that enables them to do something really well. 

A child with Down's Syndrome might have a gift for being cheerful and putting others at ease with their sunshiny nature. A person who appreciates well-thought-out special occasions might have a talent for being behind the scenes and helping design events. 

A person with strong hands might be good at giving massages to sore necks and hands. There are so many, many, ways that an individual made in the image of God could be specially able in one way or another! Think about one person you know; how many different ways are they talented? You should come up with at least 5! 

The Bible talks about this when it says "As every man hath recieved the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God." Our Creator gives us these special marks to be used for His glory and to minister and love others. 

I don't think it's a coincidence that the Parable of the Talents in Matthew has that title: the talent in the story is a type of ancient currency - but I believe they are spiritual symbols for the other kind of talents: the gifts God gives. In Matthew 25:16, it says "Then he that had recieved the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents." Meaning he took the money that his master had given him, and went and traded itskilfully so that he could have more money to give back at his master's return. And that's why I have named this post series "Trading Talents". 

I think some of my particular passions would be 1) filming, technology and media, 2) music and playing my violin and 3) graphic design. Not to mention writing and words... of course, that's partly why I started this blog! ;D

We are commanded to use the precious gifts God has given us, and use them to the best of our abilities so that we might win and love souls for the gospel. There is always more we can do to "spend and be spent" for the gospel! And when you have a passion for something, and you're able to do that thing for God's glory; it's so rewarding and enjoyable. 

I don't want to carry on for ages *laughs*, so I will, God-willing, be writing about how we can "trade our talents" in enjoyable and fulfilling ways, next post! 

What talents has God given you; what are your passions in life? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments! 💬💭😀

Blessings,

~ Jemima