GIVE US YOUR GIFT
A few Sundays ago, I heard the Praise-and-Worship-team lead singer recite the words of a new song and instruct the audience to repeat them. As she did so, I saw ecstasy light the faces of all the team musicians as they looked at each other, gently touching their instruments as they might caress the cheek of a newborn baby. The song, “I Know Who I Am” by Sinach, was new to the congregation. Just by hearing the title, the congregants knew they were in for a treat. Suddenly I felt someone poke me in the side, look at me with her eyes wide open, and say, “Sorry, I have to take my heels off for this one.” As I heard the click of the metronome, I saw the bass player flash his dreadlocks like Bob Marley in a trance as he ran his index finger down the frets. Many people go to church hoping to hear something that would inspire and empower them to do what they need to become what they aspire to be. Now after hearing a powerful song that tells you everything you need is within reach—is in you—what else would you need besides the music? When you know who you are, you know the gift you carry. You don’t need to subscribe to a horoscope or visit a palm reader to tell you about yourself. When I heard the encouraging words of the song reminding me that I’m highly favored and a “walking miracle,” not magic, I couldn’t help it. My confidence leaped like a frog from hot water. It was at that moment I thought about the gift the songwriter gave us. I wondered how she would feel watching others perform her song. I knew she would feel ecstatic. Your gift is not for you alone; it’s for the world. Try not to hold it inside. Try to hit it in the air like a batsman for us to catch and scream, “Ah!” like a cricket player in the field celebrating when someone is out. But in this case, the only thing out is the gift you shared with the world. The person who makes the catch is enjoying it, but you’ve gone beyond the private joy of creating to the social joy of sharing. Your gift is a factory that manufactures a product we need. Holding on to your gift doesn’t show humility. Releasing it shows generosity. You might have multiple gifts, and that’s fine. Or you may only have one, and that’s fine, too. If you have only one gift, develop it with all you have and watch that gift empower you to touch lives all over the world like Sinach.
