March 18, 2019 - The Importance of Talented Players

Last week I shared that I believe Christ’s definition of being a great “player” is one that lives a life of servanthood… of compassion. Seems to me like any time Christ talks about greatness… on how we impress God… it centers on showing God’s love and compassion to others… in how good we are to others (not in how good we are.)


Yet we also see a lot in Scripture about being gifted (equipped to be really good)… and these gifts come from God. I do believe it is important to pursue excellence in the areas we are gifted and talented…

1.       Gifts are of huge importance in helping us get in places to show compassion…. Proverbs 18:16 says, “A man’s gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men.” In other words when you are good at something, people will take notice.

2.       Gifts are for the purpose of making the team better… Ephesians 4:16 states, “from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes the growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.” The team needs you to play do your part!

3.       Gifts are from the Lord… Ephesians 4:7, “But to each one of us grace (favour) was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift.” We can’t brag about our gifts… because they were gifts… The Message states it this way: But that doesn’t mean you should all look and speak and act the same. Out of the generosity of Christ, each of us is given his own gift

My encouragement this week is:

Find what you are good at and be good at it!!!

Work hard and if you are gifted in that area, people will take notice… but remember that when that gift/talent gets you in the door, it is so you can make the team stronger and serve others!!!


John Wooden reminded us of these truths:


“Talent is God-given… Be humble!

Fame is man-given… Be grateful!

Conceit is self-given… Be careful!”