Success is something that everyone desires at some point and we know that to be successful, we need to maximise our gifts and talents. Many people think that self-effort in developing skills is all we need, but when we learn that our gifts come from Jesus and that He can maximise them even more for us, we gain greater success.
Romans 12:6 says, "Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith."
God has given everyone a certain gift or talent that can be used to be a blessing to many people and when we maximise these gifts, we can be of great influence and impact to others.
Whether you're good at business, arts, music, dance, public speaking, sciences or any other craft, those gifts are God-given and God-inspired. God is the source of all gifts and talents and He is the author of every craft and industry.
To submit our gifts to God means that we first acknowledge that these gifts are really His and not ours. God has given us the ability to produce wealth (Deuteronomy 8:18) and to work extremely hard and excellently. When we realise that we are merely stewards, we will know that we don't call the shots when it comes to using our skills.
Colossians 3:23-24 also tells us, "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ." Our talents were never meant to serve us and our needs only. They were primarily meant to serve God and to contribute to His greater good.
When we submit our gifts to the Lord, not only does He hone them in a way that makes us better, but He opens up more doors for us. Do you think you've made opportunities for yourself to grow in your skills? Wait until God opens doors for you and you will have more opportunities to grow and use your talent. Don't know when that will be? Pray God will open a door and let you know when is the right time to walk through it.
Exodus 35:10 says, "Let every skillful craftsman among you come and make all that the LORD has commanded."
God has bigger plans for your talents than you do because He knows your potential more than you ever will. He is the author of every good work and can use you for greater things. We are God's workmanship harnessed and sharpened through Jesus Christ and when we dedicate our talents to the Lord, He can use us for His greater glory.
