Giftings

<<talents>>

There are natural gifts, abilities and blessings given to Christian and non-Christian (although they may not acknowledge their source) alike. Material blessings also come to us from His gracious hand – He sends the rain on the just and unjust (Eccl 5:19; Mt 5:45). He gives us aptitudes and skills to use and continually develop for the blessing of humanity in general. We should not be content with our present level of attainment, rather continually be learning and training to increase our ability, and thus usefulness, as we grow to the full potential of who God made us to be. This is where mentoring and accountability are valuable keys to progress. All such skills give us a greater appreciation of life and who knows where they will lead (Prov 18:16). If we do the preparation, the opportunity will come.

These gifts become the means to help us fulfill His calling on our lives through which His life flows to bless others. They are not to cause us to become proud for although we may have developed them, they came from Him (Deut 8:18).

We humans are only the channels through which He works and we cannot take any credit for the results of Him working (Mk 16:20).

See also: ability, accountability, call/calling, humility, skill, spiritual gifts, talents.