Don’t bury your gifts
On embracing our obligation to use our special abilities well
Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober [i.e., honest and balanced] judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. —Romans 12:3
Friday posts are on often-overlooked aspects of Christian spirituality. Today, I consider the meaning of assessing one’s gifts with “sober judgment.” I find that Christians often warn people not to think of themselves more highly than they ought, but that they rarely caution about the problem of not using our gifts enough.
Immediately after the verse quoted above, Paul proceeds to discuss some of the many spiritual gifts God grants to believers and encourages everyone to contribute their gifts actively. The implication is that those who fail to use their gifts weaken the body of Christ just as much as the domineering person who seeks too much authority or attention.
In 2010, as I contemplated returning to a political career, I spoke with the job bank manager at a think tank. He told me that if I didn’t have my own blog to share and promote my ideas, I was all washed up.
At that point, I made the conscious decision to be washed up. I had no interest in self-promotion and felt I had nothing important to say to the world.
That was probably the right decision at that time. But 15 years later, after a decade of involvement with global Christianity, a period of prayerful reflection led me to a different conclusion. I may be the only person in the world with the combination of background knowledge, theological balance, journalism skill, typing speed, and free time to do what I am seeking to do in my blog: to provide timely, useful information and encouragement to global Christian leaders, especially those in the Majority World, at no charge.
Many of you have affirmed my gifts and intentions. And since I have no need for fame, money, or power, I hope I can continue serving with both quality and humility.
Some Christians are called to run for public office or start a business. They cannot succeed in those sectors without the self-confidence and certainty of their calling that enables them to “promote” themselves—that is, to tell others honestly, with sober judgment, what they believe they are capable of doing. Job candidates have to do the same thing at their interviews.
In my interactions with Majority World leaders, I sometimes sense, despite my efforts not to be patronizing or intimidating, indications that they may lack self-confidence. They may feel limited in training, English competence, financial management skills, or something else they think Westerners expect from them.
But even if they may benefit from further growth in some areas, they often exhibit remarkable gifts of spiritual discernment, generosity, self-discipline, servant leadership, and freedom from material desires. That’s why the Majority World church is flourishing while the Western church spirals toward cultural irrelevance.
May all of us, with our communities, can exercise sober judgment to accurately determine where we are strong or weak, and then apply our strengths while seeking help to address our weaknesses.