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Post by sgauthier on Oct 15, 2008 23:31:35 GMT -5
Hi Pastor Mike,
What is the difference between spiritual gifts and talents?
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Post by Mike Miller on Oct 16, 2008 9:42:02 GMT -5
Great question. A spiritual gift is an ability given by the Holy Spirit for the purpose of building up the body of Christ. A talent is an inate human ability. For example, many people--even non-Christians--can be wonderful teachers, but that does not mean they have the ability to understand God's Word and communicate it in such a way that others can understand it. Some people are really good speakers, but they might not be able to proclaim God's Word. Talents are things that people are born with or have the ability to cultivate. Spiritual gifts, however, are supernatural enablings given by God for the sake of the church.
Also, many Christians have talents that are used by God but not considered spiritual gifts. For example, my wife is a wonderfully talented singer. Singing, however, is not a spiritual gift. She could use it either to glorify God or herself. Obviously she uses it for godly purposes, but most people with artistic talents do not do so. Singing is a talent--not a spiritual gift.
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