An old violin collector named Luigi Tarisio took great pride in sourcing out and purchasing rare and unusual instruments. No one really knew about his obsession until he passed away. When folks inspected his home and opened up his beloved attic to appraise his estate, they found 144 valuable violins. Hidden in an old dresser drawer was the celebrated “Messiah Stradivarius,” a violin made by Antonio Stradivari in 1716. This masterpiece is still one of the most prized instruments in the world, valued today at $20 million.
Tarisio certainly understood the worth of his treasure. When he purchased it in 1827, he saw it as an investment to be tucked away for later profit. Tragically, in this effort, he selfishly robbed the world of the gift of its beautiful sound. It was purchased from Tarisio’s estate and again stored away as an investment. While many can take in its breathtaking beauty to this day because it is displayed in the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford, England, it is still never heard.
When we bury our treasure, we make a grave mistake. Paul warns us: “Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you” (1 Tim. 4:14a). God has given each one of us unique spiritual gifts, aptitudes, abilities, and talents. No two people are the same. What you might think is a common talent, may in fact be a uniquely shaped personal trait that can be of real encouragement to others. We can rob others and ourselves of a beautiful life by hiding our gifts in an overly humble personality, laziness, and selfishness. Some just don’t realize they have anything of value to offer. Asking friends, family, or church leaders to share what gifts or talents they see in you may help us discover our gifts and talents. They can also be revealed through prayer and studying the Bible. Sometimes our strengths during difficult times can reveal them, and sometimes it is simply what makes us feel most alive.
Our gifts and talents can be disguised in our passions, like gardening, history, tinkering, fishing, or storytelling. The real question is how we can use these. How can we draw others close to God and build up the body? How can we use our gifts and talents to bring glory to God and encouragement and enjoyment to others? Then, the next step is to step out and try. God expects us to refine and perfect our gifts through practice and participation. In 2 Timothy 1:6-7, we are encouraged to fan the flame of passion as we develop our gifts, not with timidity, but with “power and love and discipline.” Paul wrote about many types of spiritual gifts.
“Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord… But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills” (1 Corinthians 12: 4-5,11).
Whatever strengths we have, whatever talents, we may use them to make a living or for our own enjoyment, but we are to share them generously, according to God’s will and for His purpose – to lead others to gain eternal life. Whether hidden or used wisely, how we choose to use our treasured gifts and talents has eternal consequences.
Scripture Reading: Romans 12:4-8
Personal Application: Are you hiding your treasures? Are you too busy to share them with others? Do not become so earthly minded that you fail to use the gifts that are designed for eternal value. Ask God to help you identify your gifts and talents and to show you their purpose in His perfect design.
Jim Grassi, D. Min.
We cherish any verse in Scripture that reminds us to keep focused and intentional about evangelism and discipleship. “But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:5