Gifts and blessings

The other day I sat in church and was once again awed by the giftedness of our worship leader.  After church several of us were talking and we were in agreement that what this wonderful man did was something mere mortal men aren't supposed to be able to do:

• right hand:  use one of those hand rattle things to produce a rattling sound to the beat of the music
• left hand:  beat another type of beat on 2, yes 2, different bongo drums, changing the beat up from time to time during the song
• right foot:  use it to beat yet another beat on a larger drum using a foot pedal
• shake the body the whole time in time with the music
• and sing.

Most of us agreed we have trouble rubbing our head and patting our belly at the same time.  We all agreed that what we just witnessed was wonderful, and a lesson for each of us.

Why?  Because we had experienced, first hand, a supreme example of God's gift to one man, a man who recognizes that as a gift from God, and who in turn blesses us with his use of that gift.  To be sure, the man is eminently talented...there is no question about that.  But some things go beyond talent, and this mans musical abilities is one of those things.  And we are all blessed by it because he is sharing those gifts with us.

Another thing that separates giftedness from talent, I believe, is humility.  Michael is one of the most humble men I have ever had the pleasure of meeting and knowing.  It would be awfully easy, with that kind of talent, to flaunt it...if even a little bit.  But we never see that.  What we experience is a complete sharing of giftedness, in a completely humble manner, and it makes our worship periods even more meaningful and complete.

To be gifted is to be blessed.  And to share that gift is to bless those who receive it and to honor God's desire for us.  We all, whether we know it or not, have been gifted by God in some area, an area that can be used to further His purpose.  That giftedness is not something we are to hold close to our chests.  It is something to be humbly shared as a means of furthering kingdom work.

What are your gifts?

Are you ready to step forward and share your giftedness?

Do you thank God for your gift and seek direction for using it?