As the year draws to a close, many of us are reflecting on our goals and looking for ways to achieve them in the new year. You need not look any further! God has provided each of us with distinct abilities. Our success isn’t found in our similarity to others, but in our differences. Often, we get caught up focusing on what other talents people have rather than embracing our own God given talents.
The Apostle Paul saw the need for the Roman believers to focus on their individual talents rather than those of others. In the book of Romans, he wrote this reminder: “Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: If prophecy, in proportion to our faith, if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching, the one who exhorts, in his exhortation.”
So, instead of comparing yourself to others and competing with them, focus on discovering your unique God-given talents. This is where you will excel. As the saying goes, “With man-made talent you must work very hard. However, with God given talent, you just touch it up occasionally.”
Each day do your best because the more you strive for excellence, the closer you will come to achieving your goals. Building on your strength is never easy. It takes repetition day after day. You cannot achieve success without consistency, and you cannot achieve consistency working outside of your God-given strengths.
As the Christmas holiday season concludes and the celebrations come to an end, you should focus on what is ahead in the New Year. The Apostle Paul offered words of wisdom and a warning to the Romans: “Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.”
God’s advice to humanity includes: “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.” As you build on your God-given abilities, remember that your talents are unique and not necessarily the same as others. Your abilities are God-given. Embrace your unique strengths and build upon them wisely. Be blessed; And Never Give Up! Never Give Up! Never Give Up.
Dr. Walter Ghosten
