What do these things have in common?
-Braying like an elephant
-Moonwalking
-Amplifying one's phone speaker with your nose
-Crossing your eyes
If you are stumped, you are not alone. These are all "talents"--we shall use that word loosely--presented at a secret talent show. The premise of a secret talent show is to show off a random skill, talent, or other secret ability. Some of the presenters got really creative, showing off their double jointed-ness, strange facial ticks, or ability to deadpan song lyrics.
But the concept of a secret talent show got me thinking. Some of us have really obvious talents. Some can play musical instruments. Some are skilled singers. Others can debate, preach, write beautiful poetry. Some paint or dance or play sports. In Christian communities, when we think about giving our talents up to the Lord and using them for his glory, these are the kinds of things we think of. We look at the worship team and can easily see how they are using their talents for the Lord. We look at the preacher and it is obvious. Look at sports and everyone can name players who are Christians and give God the glory after they successfully do whatever sport thing they are doing.
At the end of the day it is easy to look at those talents and think, "Well I am not talented in that way, so I guess I have nothing to offer." Or almost worse, "Well I am not talented like that, so I guess I don't have to offer anything." Both are lies and they not only hurt the speaker but also the whole community, because the whole community is deprived of the talents that you do have.
I think at times the same fallacy is easy to fall into in relationship to a goer. Some people think, "Well that's great for them; I could never go," and that that is the end of the story. But it is not. Everyone has a place in the bigger picture of God's vision for the world. Some people go, but others are needed to send. Financially or in prayers or through encouragement. Other people are able to network. Others are skilled in technology and can lend a hand to the poor technologically challenged goer who is struggling to understand the ins and outs of cyber security. (Not a hint but if anyone had advice, I would not be offended!) Some people are needed to build up and encourage the next generation of goers.
The idea of talents or giftings is spoken of all over the Bible, from Jesus' parables to Paul's letters to the early church. We all have something that we can offer to glorify God and help the Church. Maybe you have to dig deep to find your talent. I encourage you to do so, whether on your own or with wise friends and mentors.
I am not one of those people who have an obvious talent. My singing ability is adequately classified as a "joyful NOISE unto the Lord". I play an instrument well enough to be called playing an instrument. I have horrible stage fright and prefer to avoid standing up in front of people to speak. Sometimes it feels like all I have are little things to offer.
-I get very passionate about things I love. I can offer my passion to God and let him use it for his kingdom.
-I love working with kids. But it took me a long time to realize that this was a talent he had given me to bless others with.
-I really enjoy writing letters. Far more than texting or any other electronic communication. I can use this to help encourage believers who may be older or prefer paper communication.
Maybe your talent is making people feel welcome. Maybe you have a love for animals. Maybe you can pop your nose, cross your eyes, and burp the alphabet. When you are willing, God can open your eyes to talents you did not think you possessed and show you ways that not even imagine to use them for his kingdom.