Use Your Gifts

When God gives us gifts, he does not leave us to figure out what to do with them. God commands us to use our gifts. He even gives us specific instructions on how to use our gifts. Allowing your gifts to lay dormant is not an option. When we allow our skills to be used for something other than what God commanded, frustration will often set us off course.

If there is one thing we can try to comprehend as children of God, it is that our gifts are for edifying others. We may look at our gifts and think, “What are some of the things I can accomplish?” “Is this something I like?” or “What makes me happy?” I’m not saying that God does not care if we are happy or not. He cares about our happiness and our everlasting joy. He gave us his Holy Spirit in order for us to grow in the fruits of the Spirit; this includes joy. I’m trying to convey that we need to look beyond ourselves, rather than allowing our motive to always be what pleases us.

This type of thinking is where the devil can get a foothold in your mind. If Satan has a foothold in your mind, he can tempt you to do all kinds of things. Satan’s temptations are always tactical strategies to get us to step outside the will of God. When Satan gets you to step outside the will of God, he will have you using your gifts for his purposes. For instance, you may like rap or hip-hop music, but God has called you to sing gospel music. So you ignore his calling on your life and instead choose a career in hip-hop. (Not that a career in hip-hop could not honor God—he can use all things for his good.) The point is that God wants us to use our gifts to build up his kingdom. Each one of us has a path to follow that will do just that.

If Satan cannot successfully get you to abandon God’s will for your life, he will tempt you simply not to use your gifts. This is called allowing your gifts to lie dormant. When your gifts lie dormant, they are not being used at all. Now, don’t get me wrong—this is not the same thing as working to save up money so that you can pursue your calling. This refers to someone who quits trying to move forward toward all the things God has for them.

For example, if you desired to be an actress, you might work at another job and continue to get your education while auditioning. This is working toward your gifts while you are in your waiting season. This shows God that you are actively making yourself available (by auditioning) and being realistic by working to offset the cost of everyday living.

The Scriptures below show Paul encouraging Timothy. Timothy needed a boost because he was bullied about his age and ministry. Some of the people in Timothy’s community felt he was too young to preach the gospel Many of them had been in ministry longer than Timothy had been alive. They most likely felt they were better than Timothy, or they felt more qualified for the job.

Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee. (1 Tim. 4:14–16 KJV)

Paul knew that God had called Timothy to preach the gospel of Christ. But in those days, just as it is now, it’s not easy preaching to people who are offended by you or jealous. It’s hard to get through to those with hard hearts.

Paul says to Timothy,

Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in Spirit, in faith, in purity. (1 Tim. 4:12 KJV)

Timothy had to be encouraged in his walk with the Lord. Jesus himself said this walk would never be easy for any of us, but he also promised that we would not have to feel a heavy burden.

Timothy had to face many challenges, but Paul knew what he was capable of through Christ Jesus. My message for you is similar: stay strong in the faith in which God has called you. Use your gifts for the edification of others, and allow God to receive the glory in your life. Through Christ Jesus, you can do all that God has called you to do. Allow God to stir up your gifts. You are capable because he has equipped you.

Ebony H. Brooks is an author, writer, and businesswoman who was born and raised in Brooklyn, N.Y. and currently resides in North Carolina. She has written three books: Failing Forward into God’s Purpose, What’s Your Fish?: The Story of Jonah, and It Is Time. Her podcast “Let’s Talk: The Journey to Moving Forward” is in its third season and can be heard wherever podcasts are available. She encourages others in the Word of the Lord on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.