IMPARTED TALENT
‘Naturally talented’ is a phrase we commonly use to describe people around us who are good at certain things. The implication with that phrase is that some people are born with an unmatched talent that far exceeds other people and go on to achieve success in this world because of that talent. However, there is another type of talent that could be even greater- one that is imparted by God. King Solomon’s example comes to mind.
God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore. Solomon’s wisdom was greater than the wisdom of all the people of the East, and greater than all the wisdom of Egypt…..He spoke three thousand proverbs and his songs numbered a thousand and five.He spoke about plant life, from the cedar of Lebanon to the hyssop that grows out of walls. He also spoke about animals and birds, reptiles and fish.From all nations people came to listen to Solomon’s wisdom… (1Kings 4:29-34)
Solomon found worldwide fame for his wisdom and knowledge and the Bible begins with a declaration of its origin from God. This was an imparted wisdom. There is no mention of his wisdom before the eventful prayer he made to God to grant him wisdom to deal justly with God’s people and do justice for them. And when God grants Solomon wisdom, the breadth of it was as measureless as the sand of the seashore. This far exceeded any inborn talent a person could have had. It is important to remember before categorizing ourselves as less talented than others that if we wish to have a talent in accordance with God’s will, he can impart us with one that is superior to that naturally received.
In the New Testament, we see a wide application of this phenomenon in the imparting of spiritual gifts. When a person receives Jesus Christ, the Spirit of God comes upon him and in accordance with God’s will, the gifts of the Holy Spirit are imparted.
Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit,to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. 11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines. (1Corinthians 12:7-12)
The demonstration of these gifts in the life of ordinary people is nothing short of miraculous. To be able to prophecy (declare or foretell) and influence a person to overcome the shackles of evil and turn to the light, to be able to heal when natural healing is beyond question, to have wisdom and knowledge encompassing multiple fields, to speak alien languages and have discernment, among many other gifts is a wider application of what was true in Solomon’s life. It is incredible what people of God have accomplished and continue to do so in this present age with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
How can I experience this reality? First turn to Christ and receive him as your Savior, making a decision to live for him and honor him. Next, allow Christ to live through you by forsaking sin and espousing a life of self-denial. Every person who does that becomes eligible for at least one gift. The purpose of the gift is not to self-exalt or to satisfy the requirements of a group or to bring personal benefit. It has to be for common good in accordance with God’s purposes. We can earnestly ask and desire but ultimately, it is God who decides to grant these gifts and the nature of these gifts.
Solomon was a philosopher, poet, botanist, zoologist, ornithologist, administrator and architect among others. And it all was imparted by God. For one who belongs to God and lives in sync with him, becoming like Solomon is within reach.
