Natural Talents and Spiritual Gifts

In the realm of human abilities, we encounter a beautiful interplay between natural talents and spiritual gifts.[1] Natural talents, inherent abilities that individuals sometimes possess from birth, are bestowed upon all, regardless of religious affiliation. On the other hand, spiritual gifts (see 1 Cor. 12:7-11, 28-30; Rom. 12:6-8; Eph. 4:11) are endowed upon believers who have received the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38). Much can be learned from exploring the distinctions between natural talents and spiritual gifts, the potential for convergence between the two, and the importance of faithful stewardship in the worship of God and the edification of His church.

The Nature of Natural Talents and Spiritual Gifts

Natural talents are part of the fabric of human diversity. They are present in individuals regardless of their faith background and can encompass a wide range of abilities, from artistic talents to intellectual prowess, from athletic abilities to practical skills. These talents are gifts from God (James 1:17), given to humanity for the enrichment of society and the fulfillment of personal potential. As Ellen G. White wrote: “Our first duty toward God and our fellow beings is that of self-development. Every faculty with which the Creator has endowed us should be cultivated to the highest degree of perfection, that we may be able to do the greatest amount of good of which we are capable. Hence that time is spent to good account which is used in the establishment and preservation of physical and mental health. We cannot afford to dwarf or cripple any function of body or mind. As surely as we do this we must suffer the consequences.”[2] In the context of worship, we see examples throughout biblical history of individuals with natural talents being used for profane (craftsmen, musicians [Rev. 18:22] and poets [Acts 17:28]) or holy purposes.[3]

In contrast to natural talents, which are distributed broadly among humanity, spiritual gifts are specifically bestowed by God upon believers who have repented, were baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of their sins, and received the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38). Therefore, every true follower of Christ has received one or more gifts (1 Peter 4:10, 11), distinct from and in addition to their natural talents, to glorify God and build up the body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:7). While one may desire specific spiritual gifts, it is ultimately the Holy Spirit who decides which gifts to impart (verses 31, 11). Spiritual discernment is needed, as the manifestation of spiritual gifts may be a counterfeit (Matt. 7:21-23). Furthermore, all spiritual gifts are essentially meaningless unless love is the foundation upon which spiritual gifts are expressed and exercised for the edification of the church (John 13:34; 1 Cor. 12, 13; 16:14).

While natural talents and spiritual gifts are distinct, there are instances in which they intersect. Some individuals may find that their natural abilities align with their spiritual gifts, amplifying the impact of their service. For example, a public speaker with the spiritual gift of evangelism, a writer with the gift of teaching, a physician with the gift of healing, an artist with the gift of prophecy, a counselor with the gift of wisdom, a musician with the gift of pastoring, or a chef with the gift of hospitality.

An Old Testament Vignette

In the Old Testament we read of two artisans, Bezalel and Aholiab, who were endowed with natural talents, such as craftsmanship, weaving, and metalwork. These individuals were not only gifted with natural talents in their respective trades, but were also filled with wisdom, understanding, and knowledge, all imparted by the Spirit of God (Ex. 35:31, 32). God then anointed these consecrated men and sanctified their gifting for the sacred purpose of constructing the tabernacle and its furnishings (verses 30-35). In a sense their extraordinary skills, now commissioned by the Spirit of God, functioned also as spiritual gifts in the building up of the church at that time.

Just as these artisans’ natural talents were sanctified for sacred purposes, our skills and abilities can be consecrated for the work of God’s kingdom. When we offer our talents to God and allow His Spirit to work through us, our ordinary skills can become extraordinary instruments for building up the church. The construction of the tabernacle was a collaborative effort, with each artisan using their unique talents for a greater purpose. Similarly, we are called to work together in unity, utilizing our diverse gifts in the church today.

Regardless of the size of our talents, our responsibility is to use them to the best of our ability.

A New Testament Vignette

In Matthew 25:14-30 Jesus tells the parable of the talents, illustrating the importance of stewardship and utilizing our gifts for God’s glory. The parable begins with a leader who entrusts his workers with varying amounts of talent according to what they can handle. To one worker he gives five talents; to another, two talents; and to another, one talent. The leader then goes away on a journey. Upon the leader’s return, he assesses how each worker has utilized the talents entrusted to them. Whereas the faithful workers receive a commendation for their stewardship, the unprofitable worker is punished for his neglect to develop what the leader had imparted.

The parable of the talents is a powerful reminder of our responsibility to steward the gifts and resources God has given us. The leader in the parable gave talents according to each worker’s ability. This illustrates that God does not expect the same results from everyone, but does expect faithfulness from all. Regardless of the size of our talents, our responsibility is to use them to the best of our ability. We are called to use our natural talents and spiritual gifts for the advancement of God’s kingdom. When we invest these gifts faithfully, God blesses and multiplies them for His purposes. When we neglect to do so, we suffer the consequences.[4] The inaction of the unprofitable worker and his outcome shows the seriousness of neglecting our God-given responsibilities. This is a warning against complacency and encourages proactive engagement in using our gifts.

Challenges and a Call to Faithful Stewardship

In the pursuit of utilizing our natural and spiritual talents for God’s glory and the edification of the body, various challenges can arise within the church community. These challenges, if left unaddressed, may hinder individual growth, lead to a lack of diversity in members, or may affect the unity within the church body.

As members of the body of Christ, we are called to be good stewards of both our natural talents and spiritual gifts.[5] The distinction between natural talents and spiritual gifts is essential for understanding the diverse ways in which God has equipped His people for service. While natural talents are given to all, spiritual gifts are specifically bestowed by the Holy Spirit upon believers. The convergence of these gifts can lead to a powerful ministry and transformation within the church. It is not enough to merely possess natural talents and spiritual gifts; we must actively use and develop them! Let us be faithful stewards of the gifts we have been given so that Jesus is glorified, the church is edified, and our souls are satisfied.

[1] Ekkehardt Mueller, “Stewardship of Gifts and Talents,” Elder’s Digest, Quarter 3, 2014, https://www.eldersdigest.org/en/2014/3/stewardship-of-gifts-and-talents.

[2] Ellen G. White, The Faith I Live By (Washington, D.C.: Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1958), p. 227.

[3] Moses, for instance, was a leadership and policy maker. Bezalel and Aholiab were artisans in the tabernacle (Ex. 31:1-11). David was a musician and king (2 Sam. 23:1, 2; Ps. 78:72). Solomon was filled with wisdom and an architect (1 Kings 3:12; 6). Paul was a scholar and apostle (Acts 9:1-19; 18:1-4; 2 Cor. 11:23-28). Priscilla and Aquila were teachers and mentors (Acts 18:1-4, 18-28; Rom. 16:3-5; 1 Cor. 16:19).

[4] The imagery of being thrown into darkness (Matt. 25:30) has ethical ramifications; for more on the theological duality of light and darkness, see John 3:19; 8:12; 12:35, 46; Rom. 13:12; 1 Cor. 4:5; 2 Cor. 4:6; 6:14; Eph. 5:8; 6:12; Col. 1:13; 1 Peter 2:9; 1 John 1:5, 6.

[5] General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, Seventh-Day Adventists Believe: A Biblical Exposition of Fundamental Doctrines (Silver Spring, Md: Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 2018), pp. 243-252.