In the U.S. alone millions of people, each year participate in talent contests, participate in school and community theater, and musical performances. Television shows like America’s Got Talent and the Voice see thousands willing to take criticism and be scrutinized, all for the chance to become famous. Having a gift like the ability to sing, play an instrument, teach, act, or speak publically is an incredible way to touch the lives of others. However, it seems that one of the most difficult things to get Christians to do is to use their talents and gifts for the Lord in the church. There seems to always be a “reason” why we don’t use our talents to serve. Excuses like “I’m too shy”, “I’m too busy”, “I’m not good enough”, “I just don’t have time” keep us from experiencing the joy of serving Christ with our talents.

In the Gospel of Luke, chapter 19: 29–35 we read of someone who gave what they had because Christ needed it:

29 When he drew near to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount that is called Olivet, he sent two of the disciples, 30 saying, “Go into the village in front of you, where on entering you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever yet sat. Untie it and bring it here. 31 If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ you shall say this: ‘The Lord has need of it.’” 32 So those who were sent went away and found it just as he had told them. 33 And as they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, “Why are you untying the colt?” 34 And they said, “The Lord has need of it.” 35 And they brought it to Jesus, and throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. (Luke 19:26-35)

All us who are born again believers have gifts that we need to untie and allow him to use for his glory. As Jesus triumphantly entered Jerusalem on that colt, the people praising God were not focused on the colt, but on Jesus, the colt was the instrument that the Lord used to bring glory to himself.

37 As he was drawing near—already on the way down the Mount of Olives—the whole multitude of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen, 38 saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” (Luke 19: 37-35)

What talents do you have that you need to untie for God’s use? For His Glory?