If you were asked the question, “Just what is your talent?” how would you respond?

Sometimes we hear something like this, “Who, me? I don‘t have any talent.” Others may respond with, “Well, if I have any talent, I sure haven’t found it yet.” Still others may feel that the other person has all the talents.

Can this be true? Do certain folks have talents, while others have none?

According to the Scriptures, everyone has talents. We may have many, or perhaps few, but we surely have one. Our job is to find that talent and use it. The reason we often fail to see them is because we are looking for the same talents in ourselves that we find in others.

For instance, you may know someone with musical ability. Since you can neither play nor sing, it is obvious you do not share this talent. You may have acquaintances who are much better off finan cially than you are. Since you always have a hard time making ends meet, evidently you have also missed out on the talent of riches. Others may write, speak, teach, or lead a class. They seem to have all the talents. But where is yours? It remains hidden, perhaps even buried.

I would like to list a few of the talents, or gifts, that I feel are important. It may help you to see just how many you really have.

There is the gift of hospitality. Have you ever . opened your home to a missionary on furlough, a serviceman on leave, a student far from home, singles in the church? Perhaps you could be a blessing to someone in this way. Have you ever considered this to be your talent?

Are you a good listener? There is great need for good listeners in our world today. Homes are breaking up—parents and children alike often despair. We need someone with whom to share our burdens and our cares. Could you be that someone—one who can be trusted, one who will take these burdens only to God, and not over the back fence to the neighbors? Maybe this is your calling. It is a most important one.

When have you last visited one who is lonely? Some folks in rest homes never have a visitor. But you say, “I find it hard to talk to people; I don’t know what to say.” You may not realize that these dear folks will do most of the talking. If you will trust God, He will give you t he words to say, even beyond your own expectations. And what a blessing you will receive! Could this be your special talent?

Perhaps you have a garden. How about bringing a bouquet of flowers to the shut–in across the street? Or a few vegetables to the widow on the corner? To the church member in the hospital or that “strange” person who lives next door?

So you can’t carry a tune in a basket? Perhaps you can carry a pie to a neighbor. You may even “Make a joyful noise unto t he Lord” while doing so.

Can you forgive others? Often we do not want to forgive. It isn’t easy. But if we pray for a forgiving spirit, God will give it. And he will use this to bless others. Can you find it in your heart to forgive?

And there is the talent of prayer. Here is a talent that even the sick, the handicapped, the elderly can utilize, since they often have plenty of time. And some who feel they cannot entertain, or communicate with others, can intercede with God in private. How great is the talent of prayer!

It is true that we are not all blessed with the same talents and wisely so. God planned it that way. If we were, this world would be in a turmoil. Some tasks would be accomplished while others would be left undone. But we are all members of the Body of Christ, and each has his own particular work to do (I Cor. 12).

If, however, we have been blessed with many talents, we must never forget that all we have is a gift from God, and we are to use it humbly, in His service. The Scriptures say, “Unto whom much is given, much will be required.” What an awesome responsibility for those who have received much! Have you found your talent or talents? If you are willing to faithfully use them for God’s glory, He will cause them to grow, and grow, and grow. And, although you may never be famous in the eyes of the world, it is more important to hear the words of the Master, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant, thou has been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things. Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”

Annetta Jansen is a member of the Dorr Christian Reformed Church and is engaged by the church for local evangelism. She has frequently contributed poems to the OUTLOOK.