Why Talent Is A Sacred Gift, Not A Possession
Words, pictures, songs, movies, they are eternal. They have no end. Especially in the age of the internet, there is likely always going to a space somewhere for all our creative endeavours.
The impact of what we create…who can tell? It could go on infinitely. You simply never know the impact your work is going to have.
I still get random e-mails and messages from people I have never interacted with telling me how a piece of my writing has had a profound impact on them, met them right where they needed to be met that day.
I think I’ll always be blown away by that. Something inside of me still doesn’t compute why God would use my words to have an impact on people for good. What I did to deserve such an honour.
And when this happens God always reminds me just what a privilege it truly is to have this talent to write. That writing is truly a gift. It’s not a possession. It doesn’t belong to me. It’s a gift, given from the divine.
It’s a gift with which I take as a true honour to be given – and there’s a weight which comes with it. A weight which comes with all artistic gifts, whether it’s writing, filmmaking, music, singing, painting – we must use them for the benefit of others. For the greater good. To bring light into the world.
It’s the same with all talents, all gifts. They aren’t to be abused, toyed around with or ignored. They’re to be used for the greater good.
Gifts, Not Possessions
The truth is our talents, our gifts aren’t possessions. They don’t belong to us. They are given to us, we are merely stewards of these gifts, and we have a responsibility to steward them well. To leave a positive impact on the world.
Of course, we take personal joy and satisfaction from using our talents – I will always enjoy the craft of writing, of pouring out my heart onto the page, creating something from my soul which I hope can help others – but this joy should be secondary, a by product of using my gift for the reason it was given.
And maybe not too many will read my work, but some do, and some will. So if the light of my words impacts just a few people positively, that is enough.
Shining some light into the life of another person is one of the greatest privileges of being human. One we should all aspire to. (you can tweet that)
Whatever you do, whatever your talent, your gift, steward it well. Don’t use it merely for your own benefit, but use it to bring a glimmer of light into the lives of your fellow man and woman.
That’s what life is all about. And even the smallest glimmer of light is brighter than total darkness.
So let us all choose to steward our gifts well. To bring light into the world.
Are you with me?
Question for Reflection:
Do you see your talents as a gift, or a possession – and how would seeing them as a gift change your perspective?
Let me know in the comments below!
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(Picture: Online Source)
Great post James. It is a privilege and honor to be able to write. Finding out our words have impacted others is wonderful. Some people may tell us now. Maybe some will tell us later.
Thanks so much for this kind comment Anne, I really appreciate your encouragement. I totally agree, it’s amazing to find out how much our words have impacted others. Maybe one day we’ll see the whole story.
James, I’ve never considered my ability to write a possession. I like the concept of being stewards over our talents. They don’t belong to us, but are given to us to manage. Thank you for this reminder!
Nichole, that’s awesome. So glad the post resonated with you and encouraged you. Thanks so much for this comment and your encouragement – appreciate it.
Writing isn’t a possessive thing. Even the one who scurries their creative efforts in a file, still some day will see the light. Writing is about sharing. We may think we own those words, even get a copyright on them, but they are written for the masses – either today or for the future. I’m sure the apostles thought they were writing to the people of their time as they put pen to scroll.
Great wisdom here Bob, as ever. Thanks so much for this comment and I totally agree, writing is about sharing. Brilliant comment, thanks.
Some talents fall into the “arts” but not all. I try to live by Colossians 3:23.
Yes, I love that verse, nails it completely. “Whatever you do…for the Lord”. Thanks for this.
James, other Christian Poets & Writers will welcome this post, so I’ll highlight it on the Christian Poets & Writers blog – http://www.christianpoetsandwriters.com. God bless.
Thanks so much Mary, appreciate you sharing this. 🙂
I learned this from a pastor when I was in college. Time, Treasure, Talents…We are to be stewards of all three. He said it is in the balance of these three when we are giving of our best self. These days people talk a lot about their money and time management, but what about talent management. Good post James.
Thanks Lisa – love that wisdom from your college pastor, absolutely spot on. Thanks for your comment & encouragement, and glad the post spoke to you.
Oooh, this is tough for me, because I guess I don’t ever call it “talent.” I still have a hard time sometimes accepting I can call myself an author, but once someone told me something I wrote made them cry. I was overwhelmed. I have to get more self confidence, that’s for sure.
Elyse, you’re an excellent writer, a fantastic author. I love reading your posts each week. I struggle with confidence too, believing good things about myself…you’ve got lots of good things to believe, especially about your writing. Seize those positive truths, you’ve earned them. You’re awesome.
Thanks, James. Getting an email from a reader who gives me credit for inspiring them always makes me feel humble, and sometimes guilty. I write not to inspire, but simply to entertain. Your post does a good job of pointing out that readers find things in our work beyond what we consciously intended.
Thanks for this comment Charles, so encouraging to hear this post resonated with you, glad the post had a positive impact. Thanks again.