How to Make Room for Amazing Success Throughout the Year!
"A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men." Proverbs 18:16 KJV
In 2002, the singing talent show American Idol emerged as a first-of-its-kind reality competition. Contestants from all over the United States, all vying for a lucrative record deal and a cash prize, made major sacrifices to showcase their vocal prowess.
Four years later, America’s Got Talent appeared, adding to the voice-only contests, an assortment of other performance categories. These episodes, as entertaining as they were and still are to the carnal nature, undoubtedly ignited, or depending on your perspective, reignited a culture of self-importance and self-centeredness.
Complete with judges, a live audience, and voting viewers, these contests facilitated the display of the same spirit manifested by the one who, while still enjoying Heaven as his home said, “I will be like the Most High.” Yes, none other than Lucifer himself. Apart from representing the very antithesis of godly values, these shows reinforced two clear realities:
➢ 1. Humanity’s fallen nature is intrinsically selfish
➢ 2. People tend to derive their self-worth from the affirmation of others.
With this in mind, I would draw attention to the real reason God created mankind. Isaiah 43:7 tells us: “Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him”. There it is as plain as day. Contrary to popular opinion, we were made, not for self-seeking and self-serving, but to glorify God. Verse 21 of the same chapter adds:
“This people have I formed for myself; they shall shew forth my praise.”
So how do we give God Glory? I’m glad you asked! The apostle Paul left us with a definite answer in 1 Corinthians 10:31:
“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
This, perhaps a familiar passage to many, presents 3 areas where giving glory to God is tangible and visible. For the remainder of this reading, I will focus on “whatsoever ye do.”
Concerning stewardship, you may have heard of the 4 T’s: Time, Talent, Treasure, and Temple.
Today we’ll look at Talents, or as we’ll notice from a Biblical perspective, “Gifts.”
The Bible tells us that when Christ ascended, He did something exceptional. We read in Ephesians: “Wherefore he saith, when he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.”
As is further pointed out in 1 Corinthians 12:4,8-11: “Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues.”
What a clear description of the various gifts given to us as God’s people. But there’s more. Paul concludes the chapter by saying in verses 28-31:
“And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.”
While scripture is clear on the gifts provided to the church, many of God’s people are not so decided. Many covet the gifts of others because they are unsatisfied with their own. This is that same spirit Lucifer manifested in heaven. But perhaps of equal detriment is the opposite extreme of cherishing the idea that you have nothing to offer and therefore spend your entire Christian experience on the sidelines instead of on the battlefield. Thus, by attempting to hide the gifts God entrusted to us, much is left undone for His cause. Even more, many shy away from using what God has given to them because they fail to even recognize them as gifts from God. Notice what the inspired writer Ellen White says in the book, Christ Object Lessons:
“Many whom God has qualified to do excellent work accomplish very little, because they attempt little. Thousands pass through life as if they had no definite object for which to live, no standard to reach. Such will obtain a reward proportionate to their works.” – COL 331.3
But I leave you, not with discouragement, but with hope from the pen of inspiration!
“Talents used are talents multiplied. Success is not the result of chance or of destiny; it is the outworking of God's own providence, the reward of faith and discretion, of virtue and persevering effort. The Lord desires us to use every gift we have; and if we do this, we shall have greater gifts to use. He does not supernaturally endow us with the qualifications we lack; but while we use that which we have, He will work with us to increase and strengthen every faculty. By every wholehearted, earnest sacrifice for the Master's service our powers will increase.” – COL 353.1
“However small your talent, God has a place for it. That one talent, wisely used, will accomplish its appointed work. By faithfulness in little duties, we are to work on the plan of addition, and God will work for us on the plan of multiplication. These littles will become the most precious influences in His work.” – COL 360.1
We are neither called to be idols, nor to be indolent. Give Jesus everything today, and watch Him multiply your talents for His glory!
Written By Mark Irby
Don’t Forget to JOIN Our Blog!
This year we are challenging every reader to stop hoarding their blessings. Share this article with all of your family, co-workers, friends, etc. Please leave a comment below my posts. Your appreciation and testimonies do impact others! Blessings!
Taste. Enjoy! Respond. Like! Share. Be encouraged!
To learn more about Narda Pella click on the logo and it will take you to our home page.
I’ve been blessed..as always!! May we use our talents wisely for the Lord’s glory 🙏🏿🙏🏿