God-Given Talents

Exodus 28:3
cf Ex. 31:1-11; 35:30-35; 36:1ff

As you look at the people around you, you probably see a lot of different skills. As I write this, the NBA finals were not that long ago, and the World Cup just ended. Those athletes have incredible skills to get to the top of their respective sports. I listened to a fantastic speaker today, someone who seemed gifted in speaking in front of a large group. Yesterday, I listened to the radio and heard several remarkable singers, accompanied by elite players of various instruments. You may not fall into any of those categories, but we all have special talents, special gifts from God. That's important to recognize--our talents are given to us by God. In Exodus 28, God is directing Moses regarding priestly clothes. He describes that He has given the skilled artists a "spirit of wisdom." In chapter 31, God describes more explicitly that He has "filled [Bezalel] with the Spirit of God, giving him great wisdom, ability, and expertise in all kinds of crafts."

So two lessons here. First, God has given you your talents. Don't fail to acknowledge him. As you accomplish great things in your workplace, never fail to recognize that those accomplishments are from God, wholly and completely from Him. Your victories are really His victories. Second, there will always be those who are talented differently than we are. Our temptation may be to look at them with envy, but doing that is basically criticizing God's choice of talents for our lives.