She was recently interviewed on network television. The interviewer used the word, "gifted," to describe her voice. Susan Boyle cut off the interviewer and said, "not gifted," just "lucky." She then insisted that her voice was the result of luck, not a gift.
What is the difference between a "gift" and "luck"? A gift implies a purposeful Giver. In fact, the only One who can give such a voice is the Creator God. Luck, on the other hand implies a random, senseless chance event. There is no purpose or meaning. There is no One to Whom thanks may be given.
Even our sterile, secular schools have classes for "gifted" students - not lucky students. Most people recognize that there is gifting in life. For those who choose to honor God with their gift, there is worship and praise for the Giver of all good things (see James 1:17). For those who deny the Creator, there is no one to Whom to give thanks and praise. There is no One worthy of such gratitude.
What a dull, boring, purposeless life when there is no One to Whom to give thanks and praise for gifts and talents and opportunities and for life itself.
What are your gifts? We all have them. What can you give God thanks and praise for today? He is worthy of your worship. If you have trouble coming up with things for which to be thankful, spend some time in the Psalms. David took the time to contemplate and be thankful. As Paul says in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (ESV)
As John Piper says in Don't Waste Your Life, what a blessing it is to be able to climb to the top of the Swiss Alps, look out over God's creation, and know that He gave all of this to us so that we will praise and worship Him. How tragic to see the wonder of the Alps and be so pre-occupied with self that no thought is given to praising Him. May all of us look for every opportunity to praise Him. He is worthy!
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