One of the biggest struggles in life is to define and understand our own identity. "Who am I really" is a question that if left unresolved ensures a life of emotional and mental turmoil. We need to understand who we are and why we're on the planet. In our childhood and early adulthood we begin to discover what we're good at.....and what we're not. It's an exciting and challenging time. Culture rewards success and abilities and for many of us we become defined and sometimes boxed in by our talents and abilities. We can become trapped by our own talents.
For those who are extremely talented in athletics, academics or the arts there is a tendency for others to define us by what we're good at as opposed to who we are as people. We can become imbalanced and dangerously incomplete. Picture the body builder who only develops his biceps while neglecting the rest of his torso. He becomes a freakish person to look at in comparison to other body builders who develop all aspects of their physical selves.
For the talented individual with tremendous physical or intellectual prowess there can be a promotion or placement beyond their level of emotional or relational maturity. We are often promoted to places through sheer inherent talent. But our spiritual and moral fiber is often left undeveloped. We are given a pass on being 'good people' because' of our talent or 'potential for success'. The potential for a root of pride to develop is huge. We're placed in a mine field of moral danger. The talented man or woman is often 'given a pass' for personal failings in relationships. Boundaries prescribed for the less gifted are never developed by the talented. So called average people have to play by the rules and learn the meaning of right and wrong. For the extremely gifted, morality becomes an optional world where someone always hands them the pass key. As long as they perform and deliver on their gift the world continually applauds while their souls go dark. The trap has been set.
When we allow ourselves to be defined by our talents we ensure our life's house is made of glass. For talent is often transient. Humanity is far more complex than the abilities we possess. When our moral/spiritual side is underdeveloped we ensure that the 'rocks' of life will eventually be thrown in the direction of our glass houses. There is a path before each person that seems right, but it often ends in death. (Proverbs 14:12) Our inner self (soul & spirit) needs to connect to something greater than the performance mode demanded by the world. We were not born to be 'talent prostitutes' serving at the whim of the curious and the bored. Our talents, gifting and desires were placed in us by a loving creator. We were meant to offer them back for his glory and for our own good as an act of worship and gratitude.
Too often we sell out our souls and bodies for the transient praise of men and women. The applause and praise of this world has been reduced to a fragment of fame barely lasting 15 minutes. We become 'used goods' in a world that constantly searches for the new thing. Our greatest strength can become our greatest weakness in a moment of time. We slay ourselves with our gifts. We should never deny our talents or abilities. They are God given. However, we should not be defined by them. You are never just an athlete..... or just a poet......or just an artist..... or just a businessmen....you are a human being created by God to love him and others...... forever. You have defined strengths and defined weaknesses. We are all incomplete and in need of both God and one another. When we cease ignoring all of who we are, we begin the journey to wholeness and healing. You are more than a one dimensional person. You are a person born by God's intricate design. Born to be loved unconditionally and forever for all of who you are. Our imperfections, Our failings, Our weaknesses are often what opens our eyes to the unseen realm of faith, hope and love. When our talents, beauty and wealth fade, life isn't over.... it's only just begun.
Jim
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