In discovering our gifts and talents, we need to be aware of where or what we place our value in. Usually, our value systems often stem from ourselves, other people or external sources/beings. Even when we don’t want to admit it, more often than not we look to these things for validation or confirmation. Let’s be real, it usually doesn’t end up good, no matter how much we want it to sometimes.
So ask yourself - where does your validation come from? Is it from your boyfriend/girlfriend? Social media? Friends or family? Let’s take a minute to think about this…
If we see Psalm 139:16-18 as a love letter from a father to his child, we will see a letter saturated in love, validation and confirmation. God has created each and everyone one of us with so much care and intentionality you can’t help but think “wow this is what He thinks of me, I really matter to Him”.
A wise friend once said “How can you worship the creation and not the creator.” You have been created to be set apart from your co-worker, your friend and even your siblings. So be bold, hone in and maximise on the gifts and talents God has placed in you because whether you want to believe it or not - there is NO ONE like you!
So because there is no one like you and with the gifts and talents given to you by the creator of heaven and earth, accepting God as your Lord and Saviour means there will be no fear in asking God show me what gifts and talents you have given me and help me to use them for your glory - *somebody say hallelujah!*
So let’s explore these amazing gifts and talents through our gifted cluster - SNAPE APE (shout out to Joshua Komolafe for this great acronym).
Spiritual gifts - this is our God given unique capacity that has been given to each of us for the purpose of releasing a Holy Spirit empowered ministry
Natural Abilities - these are our innate skills, talents or aptitudes that enable us to accomplish things.
Personality/Emotions - this is the combination of characteristics or qualities that form our character/individuality/temperament
Acquired Skills - these are our learnt skills, talents or aptitudes that enable us to accomplish things
Physical Expressions - our environment, experience and exposure
An amazing man of God once said “Our gifts and talents are not our physical expression it’s just an expression.”
So I leave you with this question… how do you want your gifts and talents to manifest and are you willing to do the work required of you?
