COLUMN: Recognize your dominant gift

 We all have different gifts … because of the grace God gave us. Romans 12:6

Learn to recognize your dominant gift and build your life around it. Otherwise, you’ll end up living with regret.

David sensed that he was more than a shepherd or a singer. He was a leader-in-the-making. Killing Goliath just gave him a chance to demonstrate it. Had he failed to seize the moment, he’d probably have gone back to tending sheep.

What blinds us to our dominant gifts?

• An obsession with our flaws. Instead of focusing on our strengths, we listen to our critics and rehearse the qualities that discourage us most. Look out! The company you keep will life you, lower you or limit you. This is especially true of those who resent your success because it reminds them of their lack of it. Remember Joseph’s brothers?

• Admiring the gifts of others. It’s OK to appreciate others as long as you don’t try to duplicate them and create something God doesn’t need one more of. Don’t live in somebody’s shadows, stand on their shoulders. Be an Elisha and ask God for twice the success of your mentor. You see, uncommon people are simply common people who recognize their dominant gift and put it to work.

One more thought: your gift can be taken away if you don’t use it.

Jesus said, “Take therefore the talent from him and give it unto him which hath 10 talents … cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness” Matthew 25:28-30.

Today, ask God to help you discover your dominant gift, then dedicate it to his highest service.