Developing your talents

Hi all,

Just wondering what people think about the development of our talents in the light of seeking first the kingdom of God.
It feels like I have spent so much time helping others with issues in their lives or doing menial jobs to keep bread on the table that my artistic talents have gone by the wayside.Should I prioritize developing my talents or can that wait till heaven?

This is a question that should be asked in prayer. Ask for wisdom concerning the activities in your days. The Lord will answer you as you keep your mind open to new thoughts and perspectives.

Write down the thoughts He gives you after prayer so that you remember.

None of us have the right answer for you. Only God knows your heart, motives and His purposes for your life.

God does want us to take time for ourselves. Jesus was known for isolating himself, even from the Apostles, because he needed time alone. Time for something other than everyone else. But we are also called to be servants.
My thought is it's good that you spend so much time helping others, working as a servant. But you can't neglect yourself entirely. It may be wise, and even Godly, to parcel out some time for yourself.
There seems to be this idea that we should never run out of giving as Christians, because God will always keep us filled, but that is not scriptural, and actually speaks against scripture. Again, Jesus set the example and God declared a 'day off'. As Christians we should be more diversified in how we live our lives, because God will use us where we are. Sometimes use us for others, but sometimes to help us. If we are constantly in the same mode and attitude we may be missing out on what we, or someone else, needs.

If you are talking about friends with mental issues that need constant company. Really they just need a friend and you cant do anything about the mental issues. Being a friend is nice but you do not have to devote your life to it.
As far as doing odd jobs, I think you should focus on finding a way to fit a more secure job into your particular demands. If you need cash or any hours, you can find those jobs even on the net. Odd jobs will just leave you tired.
Finding your place in life sometimes is not just about finding what you love to do but to let go of everything else and finding ways to accommodate your demands.

All great answers, thank you!

Thank you for this brilliant answer.Yes, truth be told art has become less important to me but I wonthe art prize in highschool and it was my best subject.
Recently, I have reconnected with some old highschool friends who all remember me as being a creative person.They all wonder what I am doing with my creativity so I feel pressure to excavate this buried talent and put it to use.
My passion in life is to know the gospel , make it known and meet needs where I can - especially those of destitute people in third world countries - so painting a pretty picture seems a bit luxurious if not superfluous at the moment.
Thank you for bringing this truth to my attention.I have no soundboard in my life at the moment and my human heart has an uncanny ability to decieve itself!
God bless you!

Also, people change ....and the person I was in highschool is no longer the person I am now.I have been through an incredible amount and I would say that my bourgeois aspirations of high school are a thing of the past.

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it seems like you are not quite yet aware of your 'real-true-artistic-talents', which
lay-down right before you...

we have to desire to use the 'talents' that He gives to us first, 'for Him', but of course,
we can't do this unless Jesus gives us an 'awakening' to this 'test',!?!?

ROMANS 8:27.
And He that searches the hearts knows what is The Mind of The Spirit, because
He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. =
is this awesome or what!!!???

15:6.
That you may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even The Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Ug said,

"There seems to be this idea that we should never run out of giving as Christians,
because God will always keep us filled, but that is not scriptural, and actually speaks against scripture"
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this actually IS Scripture, and the mantle that those who Jesus calls wear...
(not only bear, but continually grow into the man/woman He is calling to servein His Kingdom...
once The Holy Spirit grabs ahold of your 'heart', you will always gladly wear whatever colored coat
that He allows you to wear, and with all of the Love and gratitude that you could ever imagine........

scriptures available, upon request...

Not entirely sure what you mean.

it will come to you Mook...

I beg to differ.If people don't take time out for themselves they get burnt out.Burnt out pastors and social workers are a case in point.

Mooky,

what we are basically saying, is that Jesus gives us our 'time-outs', we don't just take them
when we choose' -when we submit to this 'gift' and realize just how really personal and loving it is,
we gladly rejoice in it...

Hello,

Unlike me, you are quite young, mooky, so dont be alarmed you may not have that much time to do or develop your talents=). It's not really abt being young or old, but i mean i did a lot of helping others without realizing i was doing that, and doing menial tasks too. But with God there is a time for everything, and long ago, a school principal told me not to worry if u do not have a lot on ur resume, for God will give u your job, when u need it. For a long time i believed that too, then came yrs of doubt, that ive lost or wasted all the yrs not utilizing what He has given me (parable of the talents, remember). But now i see He has been developing other areas of my life all the while, like, even while i helped others, mine wasnt really a servant's heart, and God showed i could have one... Even tho i thought myself as persevering before, He showed that i could be more so, and etc. etc. As to the 'talents,' i never thought i was talented in drawing, but recently when i tried some things and saw i could do them... was i surprised. No boasting there, ok. Just me realizing the real simple drawing of some blades of grass many yrs ago could progress to something else i never imagined i was capable of, wc i thought only those who studied or trained in art school could do=).

Ah, i still pray for ability to bless others w/ works, or if that is the Spirit's job, then may He use the works of our hands for that and God's glory.

what an awesome, insightful POST, Mar,,,TY so much for sharing so much wisdom and understanding...
this is so refreshing, to read about a sister or brother's growth in our Holy Creator, Jesus Christ,..

by the way, ms., here, I've taken-up the 'harmonica' a while back, and seem to have a knack
for it,,,growing always gives us all so much more to look forward to - i'll be learning how to
praise our Heavenly Father with a joyful noise..., of course accompanied by my other Love,
he plays the Banjo and the Harmonica...we can always find 'new ways'
to Praise and Rejoice' in our Love for our Maker,..

Thanks, otn, for the note. I realize i'm growing after all=)). To mooky, it really took me a long time, coz i was often seeing my weaknesses and faults, and too shy to share some gifts. But as otn has mentioned the harmonica, i would tell that the first time we had an old one given by a bro's classmate, it was like an old discarded toy i tried to play and found 'simple.' Except for once when i played at a high school program, it was barely used... but i am again playing many old tunes that others can find so easy to learn. This is one instrument we do not need a teacher with, just like playing, as in kids play=).

One time recently, i was at the grounds and there was a group of young ppl singing cheerfully accompanied by guitar, sitting on the grass. Then i realized their song was for someone else, for i heard something like krishna. They repeated their song several times, and it would have been hypnotic-- i mean it was nice singing after all-- but as i stood to leave, i was decided that i'd use and play the instruments given to me to glorify the Lord more. Next time i was there, i was brave to play the harmonica on the bench, while a few ppl jogged or walked by. There was also a young student i met there, sharing the gospel, with whom i somehow had an accord. We've met once to sing and play her uke, for why should others sing to their gods in public, while we cannot or do not!