John 3.27 John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.
Charles a Spurgeon wrote: “The truth stated in this verse should act as an effectual cure for envy and emulation.” It should also be a warning about boasting and spiritual pride. Apart from God, we are nothing and can do nothing of any eternal value. All the ability and unction to minister comes from above. The Lord is The One that dispenses His talents and gifting; The Lord is The One that adds to the church; apart from the grace and enablement of Jesus Christ, we can do nothing. We are clay pots into whom God breathes His abilities and talents. Thus, all exercising of our God-given gift is to be a display of His glory and honor. All exercise of His gifts are to be handled with prayer. Consider the following passages, dear ones.
Mt 25:15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.
Ro 12:6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
1Co 12:11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
1Pe 4:10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 1Pe 4:11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
1 Pet 4.11 nails it right on the head beloved, doesn’t it? The ultimate purpose for God giving us talents and abilities is in order that God in all things might be glorified through Jesus Christ, to Whom be praise and dominion forever.
Beware, beloved, when you start talking more about the instrument that God uses more than The One Who made the instrument and endowed him with the abilities that he or she has.
When it comes to spiritual gifts, Jesus did not speak fondly of the person who hid the talents that God gave them, instead of using them to bless others and bring Him glory. Likewise, to prostitute a gift of God or use it to promote yourself is a serious sin and devilish. Oh magnify The Lord with me, and let us proclaim His greatness forever!
