Use Your Talents

By Susie Frederick

The Bible often refers to the church as a “body,” with Christ Jesus as its “head.” Each member of the church is like a part of the body. The human body has many parts, and each part has an important function. The same is true of the church.

No two Christians are alike, so when one is absent or not working the whole body suffers. An important part of the body is missing. God wants us to work together, united in Him. God tells us through the writings of the apostle Paul that each member of His body — the church —has been given gifts (talents or abilities) by God, and that we should use those talents for the benefit of the whole body. 1 Cor. 12:12-27 tells us not to think that because we do not have a particular talent we are in some way inferior to the person who has that talent. God gives talents to each individual according to His plan. Every person must use his or her own God-given talents to help the whole body function as it should (Rom. 12:3-8; Eph. 4:16). Jesus taught in a parable that if we use our talents for Him, He will give us more! But if we ignore our talents, or hide them, He will take away what we had (Matt. 25:14-30).

You are unique. No one else can take your place. No one else has the same talents or the same opportunities you have. Let us all find what our talents are, and do our best — through study, prayer, and use — to develop them fully. God will help us, and when we are ready, He will give us even more abilities to use in building up the church.