Being inspired by the recent Week of Prayer Readings (December 2015), I decided to study a little more into the Gifts of the Spirit. In the New Testament there are listed different gifts given to individuals here on earth. We are told that the Lord bestows talents to individuals and the Holy Spirit gives gifts. And then when these are used faithfully, the fruit of the Spirit will be seen. The fruit is not possible without the working of the Holy Spirit and the proper usage of the gifts and talents.

TALENTS

A talent is given to be used and it improves with usage and practice. By neglect it declines.

In Matthew 25:14–30 we read the parable in which Jesus spoke about the talents. A man decided to travel to a far country, entrusting his material goods (talents) to his servants to care for, trade, and increase. In the Hebrew a talent was a means of measuring monetary values, for example, something having the equivalent of a talent weight of gold, silver, or other metal.

The most common usage of the word talent in English today is an innate ability, aptitude, or faculty which is above average, for example: a talent for cooking, music, or drawing, etc. God gives people talents for use and improvement. It is well for a person who has musical ability to spend a portion of their day in practice.

How can we reconcile these two meanings in a spiritual sense? Is there any connection between a talent (material wealth) and a talent (special natural ability)?

Can talents of ability have monetary worth? They can in the sense that people make money using their talents.  These talents (natural abilities) can, however, be of more value than the talent of money. They can bring more happiness to a person than can money. The healthy and strong poor man may be happier than the sick and feeble rich man. Ask a man dying of cancer what he wants more of—the talent of gold or the talent of health? Ask the 95-year old man who is reaching the end of his life what he would like more of—the talent of money or the talent of more time.

I am sure Jesus had a deeper meaning than just material wealth, such as gold and silver, when He spoke this parable.

So then, what is the difference between the talents and the gifts of the Spirit? Firstly, God gives talents to people to be used for His service, not necessarily in a leadership role such as preaching.  “I have called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah:  And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship.” Exodus 31:2–3

In Matthew 25 there is no specific mention of what these talents are. However, we read that there is actually a direct relationship between the talents and the gifts. “The talents that Christ entrusts to His church represent especially the gifts and blessings imparted by the Holy Spirit.” –Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 327–328

Following this paragraph in Christ’s Object Lessons we find a subheading called, “Other Talents.” In addition to these gifts (talents), that are called the Gifts of the Spirit are listed the following talents, some of which all of us have (time and influence). Most people also have speech and mental faculties. Most have money—some more, some less.  If we adhere to the health reform message, we may have a talent of health, and it would be hoped that all can develop the talent of kindly affections. These talents do not have a specific outline of duties as the Gifts of the Spirit mentioned by the Apostle Paul would have, but they bear weighty responsibilities. Although I have read this chapter many times, it is always a blessing for me so I want to share the blessing by briefly summarizing the “Other Talents.”

“God will accept only those who are determined to aim high. He places every human agent under obligation to do his best.” –Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 330

Mental Faculties:  “God requires the training of the mental faculties. He designs that His servants shall possess more intelligence and clearer discernment than the worldling, and He is displeased with those who are too careless or too indolent to become efficient, well-informed workers. The Lord bids us love Him with all the heart, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and with all the mind. This lays upon us the obligation of developing the intellect to its fullest capacity, that with all the mind we may know and love our Creator.” –Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 333

Speech: “The power of speech is a talent that should be diligently cultivated. Of all the gifts we have received from God, none is capable of being a greater blessing than this. With the voice we convince and persuade, with it we offer prayer and praise to God, and with it we tell others of the Redeemer’s love. How important, then, that it be so trained as to be most effective for good.” –Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 335

Influence: Every soul is surrounded by an atmosphere of its own—an atmosphere, it may be, charged with the life-giving power of faith, courage, and hope, and sweet with the fragrance of love. Or it may be heavy and chill with the gloom of discontent and selfishness, or poisonous with the deadly taint of cherished sin. By the atmosphere surrounding us, every person with whom we come in contact is consciously or unconsciously affected. . . .This is a responsibility from which we cannot free ourselves. Our words, our acts, our dress, our deportment, even the expression of the countenance, has an influence.” –Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 339

Time: “Our time belongs to God. Every moment is His, and we are under the most solemn obligation to improve it to His glory. Of no talent He has given will He require a more strict account than of our time.

“The value of time is beyond computation. Christ regarded every moment as precious, and it is thus that we should regard it. Life is too short to be trifled away. We have but a few days of probation in which to prepare for eternity. We have no time to waste, no time to devote to selfish pleasure, no time for the indulgence of sin. It is now that we are to form characters for the future, immortal life. It is now that we are to prepare for the searching judgment.” –Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 342

Health:Health is a blessing of which few appreciate the value; yet upon it the efficiency of our mental and physical powers largely depends. Our impulses and passions have their seat in the body, and it must be kept in the best condition physically and under the most spiritual influences in order that our talents may be put to the highest use. . . .

“The misuse of our physical powers shortens the period of time in which our lives can be used for the glory of God. And it unfits us to accomplish the work God has given us to do.” –Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 346. A violation of any of the laws of health is sin.

Strength: “There is need of businessmen who will weave the grand principles of truth into all their transactions. And their talents should be perfected by most thorough study and training. If men in any line of work need to improve their opportunities to become wise and efficient, it is those who are using their ability in building up the kingdom of God in our world. Of Daniel we learn that in all his business transactions, when subjected to the closest scrutiny, not one fault or error could be found. He was a sample of what every businessman may be.” –Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 350–351

Money: “God also entrusts men with means. He gives them power to get wealth. . .  Our money has not been given us that we might honor and glorify ourselves. As faithful stewards we are to use it for the honor and glory of God. Some think that only a portion of their means is the Lord’s. When they have set apart a portion for religious and charitable purposes, they regard the remainder as their own, to be used as they see fit. But in this they mistake. All we possess is the Lord’s, and we are accountable to Him for the use we make of it. In the use of every penny, it will be seen whether we love God supremely and our neighbor as ours.” –Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 351–352

Kindly Impulses and affections: Kindly affections, generous impulses, and a quick apprehension of spiritual things are precious talents, and lay their possessor under a weighty responsibility. . . . Social advantages are talents, and are to be used for the benefit of all within reach of our influence. The love that gives kindness to only a few is not love, but selfishness. It will not in any way work for the good of souls or the glory of God.” –Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 352–353

I have no doubt that you can find that you have some of these “Other Talents”.

GIFTS

A gift is given, not because of any favour the person has shown towards you, but because you love them and you expect nothing in return. You do not do anything to deserve your gift. A gift is not a duty and is given unconditionally.

Although it seems that God expects returns from His gifts, the reason they are called “gifts” is because those who receive them did nothing to be able to acquire these abilities. These are special qualities and powers imparted to believers by the Holy Spirit for the service of the church. Although it may appear so, they are not natural talents; they are, in reality, a gift from the Spirit which increases in power with use.

The gifts of the Spirit are mentioned in three places in the New Testament. There are administrative gifts, missionary gifts, and gifts to take care of the poor and needy (the work of a deacon).  All are necessary for the church of God to work in harmony. “Through the diversity of the gifts and governments that He has placed in the church, they will all come to the unity of the faith.” –Testimonies to Ministers, p. 29

Many of these are leadership gifts. “Solemn are the responsibilities resting upon those who are called to act as leaders in the church of God on earth.” –The Acts of the Apostles, p. 92

The three references to the gifts of the spirit are: “Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness.” Romans 12:6–8. “And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.” 1 Corinthians 12:28. “And He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers.” Ephesians 4:11 (emphasis mine)

Not everyone has every gift. A minister may not be a good teacher, but may be an excellent minister.  A pastor may be an excellent pastor, but may be lacking in administrative ability. We err when we expect all workers in the church to eventually become ministers or administrators, or administrators to become ministers.

“The members of the church of God on this earth are as the different parts of a machine, all closely related to one another, and all closely related to and dependent on one great center. There is to be unity in diversity. No member of the Lord’s firm can work successfully in independence, detached from the others. . . . All are to use their entrusted capabilities in His service, that each may minister to the perfection of the whole. Each is to work under the supervision of God.” –Our High Calling, p. 182

Administrative:

Administrative duties are very important in the church. God is a God of order and has set up the standard of order in His church and this must be followed carefully. The administrative duties are: Governments which take care of the administration of the church who, Ruleth. . . with diligence.  The leader who is placed in a position of authority and influence is to be zealous and rule with diligence, with earnest care. A person’s “eternal interest depends upon his accepting and respecting the helps and governments which God has been pleased to place in the church.” –Testimonies for the Church, vol. 3, p. 437

Spiritual Help:

There are some gifts given specifically to offer spiritual help to the members.

Apostles have general jurisdiction over an area of several churches, while Pastors are to shepherd the flock in one particular church or area.  Prophets are those chosen by God to establish communication between Himself and man. They have been given power to speak authoritatively for God, or on God’s behalf either by foretelling the future or by declaring God’s will for the present. “From the beginning the church of God has had the gift of prophecy in her midst as a living voice to counsel, admonish, and instruct.” –Selected Messages, bk. 3, p. 83

The Teacher has an enlightened understanding and special ability to explain the scriptures, to both members and non-members, to help them understand. After being taught, the one with the gift of Exhortation; or encouragement has the duty to awaken the heart of the individual to put the truths of God’s Word that they have learned into practice; stimulating them into action. This gift can also be shown in the ability to comfort those who are afflicted.

The Evangelist’s main duty is to do missionary work to those outside of the church, while Apostles and
Prophets minister to the members, evangelists go to different areas to do their preaching.

Help with Physical Needs:

The Minister is differentiated from prophecy and teaching in that he ministers to the needs of the poor, sick, and strangers. It is a service provided for the temporal and external needs of the members.

The gift of Helps is the office of a deacon. It is given to the lay member to help the minister to care for the needs of the poor and needy. “Educate them for usefulness, to be helps, to minister to others rather than to be waited upon and be ministered unto.” –Testimonies for the Church, vol. 2, p. 459–460.  This help must be given by the gift of Showing mercy, with cheerfulness. “To visit the fatherless in their affliction.” James 1:27. Deeds of kindness, however, are not exclusive to church members.

The Lord asks for financial support and this is the gift of Giving. “God loveth a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:6. The Lord blesses some with more money so that they can give to support His cause. And those who are entrusted with money are to use it to God’s honour and glory. All have the ability to give something. The widow gave her two mites in the time of Jesus. Giving comes from the heart. Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Think of a child whose father comes home from work and tells the child, “I have a gift for you.” The child gets all excited, expecting something material or some special food as a gift. But then the father says, “For your gift we are going to visit the sick elderly lady down the street and give her some food.” The child may be very disappointed; but, after the visit, seeing the joy and happiness seen in the face of that poor old woman, the child seems very happy now—much happier than if the father had given the child a trinket or a cookie. This child is learning that the gift of giving brings more happiness than receiving. God has given all of heaven for mankind.  He gave it all. The gift of giving is a blessing, not only to the receiver, but also for the giver.

Health is very important for the children of God, so He gave gifts of Healing.  Although all may pray for the sick and expect answers, this gift is a miraculous gift of healing, with an excellent knowledge of natural remedies. And then Miracles are seen, both in regards to health and in other areas.

And finally, the gift of Tongues, which is the ability to speak and translate between different languages. This gift is quite diverse and can be used in any setting where there are two people who speak different languages and need to communicate.

“Each worker in every branch of work in the Lord’s vineyard must have a head and a heart sanctified through the truth to enable him to see not merely the part of the work which is under his supervision, but its relation to the great whole.” –That I May Know Him, p. 323

“The Lord God of heaven, who made our world, and who created man, guards the interests of every soul. . . . No one should treat these entrusted talents with indifference. No one is accountable for the talents he has never had; none should complain of the smallness of their gifts. Everyone is to trade on that which God has entrusted to him, working where he can, doing the best possible service for the Master. . . .

“No man is to weigh in the balances of human judgment the talents God has given to other men. Let every man appreciate God’s gifts to himself, and faithfully trade upon them. No man is to merge his individuality into that of any other man. No man should be urged to make another man his steward. . . . Let us never forget that we are here to be fashioned by the hand of God, fitted to do the work He has given us to do. That work is our own, the accountability is our own; it cannot be transferred to another. Let not human agents interpose to take another’s work out of the hands of God into their own finite hands.” –Pastoral Ministry, p. 138–139

FRUIT

With the proper use of the gifts and talents, the fruits will result. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” Galatians 5:22–23. With talents and gifts, not every member has them all; however, every soul that is saved will possess all the fruit of the spirit. The fruit is not how many souls you have brought to church, not how much money you have given to the church, or not how many hours you have spent canvassing. It is not how many hours you have spent studying your Bible and Spirit of prophecy, not how many sermons you have preached.  All those can be done and a person may still be lost. “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy name? and in Thy name have cast out devils? and in Thy name done many wonderful works?  And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from Me, ye that work iniquity.” Matthew 7:22–23. (Read also 1 Corinthians chapter 13). If I do all these wonderful works but have no love I am nothing. The fruit of the spirit recorded in Galatians say nothing about souls, donations, Bible Studies, and sermons. Paul talks of a transformed character. Then the obvious lifestyle choice by those who have the fruit of the Spirit will be missionary work, Bible Study, and prayer.  Jesus Christ, first and last in everything.

“And those who would be workers together with God must strive for perfection of every organ of the body and quality of the mind. . . . But Christ has given us no assurance that to attain perfection of character is an easy matter. A noble, all-round character is not inherited. It does not come to us by accident. A noble character is earned by individual effort through the merits and grace of Christ. God gives the talents, the powers of the mind; we form the character. It is formed by hard, stern battles with self. Conflict after conflict must be waged against hereditary tendencies. We shall have to criticize ourselves closely, and allow not one unfavorable trait to remain uncorrected.” –Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 330–331

“Many whom God has qualified to do excellent work accomplish very little, because they attempt little. Thousands pass through life as if they had no definite object for which to live, no standard to reach. Such will obtain a reward proportionate to their works.” –Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 331

“Remember that you will never reach a higher standard than you yourself set. Then set your mark high, and step by step, even though it be by painful effort, by self-denial and sacrifice, ascend the whole length of the ladder of progress. Let nothing hinder you.” –Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 331–332

May God help us to appreciate and use the gifts that He has given to us.  “Neglect not the gift that is in thee.” 1 Timothy 4:14.  Amen.

Wendy Eaton