The problem many Christians face is not so much a lack of the gifts of the Holy Spirit but failing to identify what they have and therefore not being able to use them. Some recognise their gifts but because they appear unimportant or unrecognised by other people, they under-estimate them and do not allow their manifestation.
Which of these categories do you fall into? Our God is faithful; He is not a liar. He has sent each of us into His vineyard for a purpose and with a mission. He does not send without equipping – that would defeat his purpose. The Bible tells us that to each he has given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good and He inspires each one. A gift is only beneficial to the recipient and every one around him when it is used. It is true that the gift of God is irrevocable – but only as far as you receive, use and keep it.
What gift, talent or service has the Lord given you? Have you discovered it? Do you know it? Do you want it? Do you appreciate it? Are you permitting the Holy Spirit to manifest Himself through you? We must learn toaccept and love whatever gift or talent God has given to us. Whatever it is, whether big or small, it can only be the best for us.
Every Christian wants to be the preacher, worker of miracle, the big evangelist, prophet, etc forgetting that God works with the ‘little’ as well as the ‘large.’ He works in ‘loud’ ways and in that ‘still’ small voice of calm. Let’s examine the Deacons in the early church. Their official duty was to serve at table and see to the welfare of the brethren, yet, the prerequisite for their post was Holy Spirit fullness of wisdom, good repute, etc.
Moreover, having being chosen, they did not see it as a menial task they took it as their ‘calling.’ When Philip and Stephen started to carry out their duties as they should, the talent God gave them yielded fruit bountifully. As a result, God added more to what they had before. They were also full of grace and power so much so that they could preach boldly among the people.
As a wonderful cook, if your Pastor asks you today to cook for the brethren rather than leading the worship, would you gladly obey? What about if you are wonderful at caring for children, would you gladly baby-sit while the other sisters in the church go to witness or pray for somebody? If you can silently intercede in prayers, would you gladly do this every week rather than have the chance to preach the sermon? The list is endless. The important thing is this: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”Matt 5: 16
Your talent may be a gift of the Holy Spirit. Somebody else’s may be a fruit of the Holy Spirit while another person’s may be a service or skill in the Holy Spirit. The important thing is to accept, use it and be fruitful. This is what the parable of the five talents teaches.
He who had five talents used it and got five more (100% fruition). He who had two used it and received two more (100% fruition) but he who had one failed to use it. (0%) Why? This is because he considered his talent small, and failed to see the need to use that small talent he had. He received his just reward – the talent was taken away from him.
This is exactly what happens to many Christians. They forget what the Bible says:
“If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. But as it is, God arranged the organs in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single organ, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” On the contrary, the parts of the body, which seem to be weaker are indispensable, and those parts of the body which we think less honorable we invest with the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving the greater honor to the inferior part, that there may be no discord in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. (1Cor.12:15;18-25)
Whilst those we see as ‘powerful’ men of God are bearing fruits because they use what they have been given effectively, therefore more is added, those who consider themselves less ‘important’, do not grow further because they fail to use what they were given. They want to be somebody else. They want to be recognised and so they seek to bear fruit where they have not been planted. They feel they are a failure. Spiritual frustration sets in and eventually, they wither and fall away.
Your talent may be to sing, do it to the glory of God. It may be to sweep and keep the house of God clean, do it to the glory of God. Has it not occurred to you that without that talent of keeping God’s house clean, the people cannot stay? Is your talent hospitality or giving? Do it “as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corin.9: 7)
Is it to bring peace where there had been discord between two brothers? Is it strength, or cheerfulness, which God has given to you? Whatever it is, recognise it, accept it and use it to the glory of God. In the Lord’s vineyard, your tree will only flourish on the land where God has planted you and not where you transplant yourself. “Behold when it is transplanted, will it thrive? Will it not utterly wither when the east wind strikes it-wither away on the bed where it grew? (Ez 17:10)
Take note, your talent will not yield fruits instantly. It calls for patience and perseverance. God has planted you in your church that you may blossom there in due season. If you guard it with your life, use it effectively to the glory of God, surely it will bloom some day and continue to bear fruits till you return to God to render your account. There is a gift in each of us – fan your gift till it blazes and it will surprise you how big God’s investment in you can show His glory.
The principle is: “Bloom Where You Are Planted”
by Prophetess Fadeke Omideyi
