Let me first begin by saying that I will be preaching to myself in this post.
(in case those of you who know me want to remind me to take my own advice.)
We all have passions. We all have gifts and abilities. More often that not, these talents directly align with our passions. Funny how that works…
I’m passionate about music, especially writing it. I love the creative process of a song coming to life from a simple thought. While I’m clearly not the best at writing music, I have found that I enjoy it, and the songs themselves don’t sound horrible. Of course, I’m a little biased when it comes to that.
I’m also passionate about helping the least of these- particularly concerning the issues of human trafficking and extreme poverty. You can read some earlier posts on these issues by starting at the beginning of this fairly young blog.
I’ve been fortunate to play some of my music in order to raise awareness for the human trafficking problem in Phoenix, which is a much larger problem than people think. This has caused me to think a lot about how I can use what I’m gifted at to help with the issues that I’m passionate about. It would make sense to use my gifts that way.
It’s probably the reason I was given the gift in the first place.
You have gifts and passions. All of you. And because of that, you all have the potential to be a part of God’s much larger story of redemption on this little planet we live on. Of course that also means that we get to live a better story as well.
We’re called to.
If you’re afraid to put yourself out there because of fear, I want to encourage you to take that step. There is much more at stake here than our feelings. Remember, we’ve been given these talents to use them, not bury them in the ground.
So, I ask you (and me) : What’s your passion?
And, more importantly, what are you (we) doing to invest in them?
Our talents are just as valuable as a million bucks. Sure, if you’ve been blessed with a lot of money, give away. But, if you’re not a millionaire, give of yourself. You’re worth more than you’ll ever think.
Folks,we must do something. There isn’t a lack of need in this world.
We need only to look around.
*NOTE* Some of you who read this blog are doing some amazing things for the Kingdom of God. I’d love for you to share what you’re doing as well. Perhaps there are those that are unaware and would like to partner with you. Plug away shamelessly in the comments.
Great post and really this is the question I ask a lot of people because if they do not understand that they were made for greatness, they will never really dig deep into the well that God has placed in them.
My favorite thing to do is sit in a coffee shop and mentor. Challenging people to go further than they think they will ever go is simply a huge passion of mine. I guess you could call it life coaching but seeing your results in action and then that person sharing it with others so they become alive also is spectacular.
My secondary purpose is seeing revival happen in our generation. I did events for campuses in Michigan called Campus Cry which called students to prayer and going beyond themselves to see revival come on the campuses. I simply believe that if we turn and cry out for His presence to come, that He will. Encouraging people into that is very powerful.
Great post, I really appreciate who you are.
Ben, thanks so much for the comment! So cool to hear about you mentoring. I think a lot of folks feel like they need to do a lot of training (which is certainly good, if available), but we really just need to live life with people. It’s pretty Biblical, after all.
I’m not sure what my gifts and talents are, but I do know that God gave me two precious kids to be passionate about. But am I doing enough with them? Am I teaching them and guiding them in the way they should go? Your blog inspired me to pour my passion into them. Thank you!
Jena- thanks for the comment. I know how tough that was for you.
I happen to think that compassion is a gift that you have. I can think of a lot of ways that could be used in your life, especially in terms of your (and others’) kids that need it so desperately. You rock.
Preach it brotha! Your words echo St. Iraneaus…”The glory of God is the human person fully alive.” So what makes us fully alive? Living out the passions God has given us in our lives.
St. Iraneaus said in one sentence what took me over 300 words to write….now that’s efficiency.
Love you, man. Here’s to living it out, I say…
Josh I read your blog all time and you constantly touch my heart. This is something I struggle with human tafficking and sick children and poverty are things I am passionate about but what are my gifts? I really don’t know. I have a kind heart and things touch me constantly. We give and help others but is it enough? In the grand scheme of things I have to say I think not. Love u guys you’re a blessing to the Bassett’s!