"Michael Jordan's Gift"


MICHAEL JORDAN
           Let me present another famous example, basketball star Michael Jordan.  Nearly everyone would list him as the best basketball player ever!  If he had been 5’10’’, stocky, slow, and devoid of any “hops” do you think there is any way possible he could have “worked” hard enough to become a superstar athlete?  I think not.  As a matter of fact, Michael and his father have often claimed that Michael’s brother Larry was more athletic, but he was missing one important physical quality. 
          His brother explains how he would usually beat Michael one-on-one in high school until…until Michael outgrew him.  Michael grew five inches between his sophomore and junior year putting him at 6’6’’.  Then everything changed.  Plus, God had blessed him with an ultra-competitive spirit. 
          Here is the point.  Jordan was bestowed at conception with extraordinary physical athleticism and a mental toughness to match.  Michael could have completely ignored these talents and, instead, tried desperately to become an Astro-physicist even though he might have struggled with his grades (I do not know that to be the case, just imagine it to be true for the example).  He would have failed and been miserable his entire life. 
          Instead Michael realized his incredible gifts, worked extremely hard to develop his strengths, disciplined himself, and became a success, to say the least.
 
CONCLUSION
          Gifts and talents and abilities encompass a much broader area than athletic talent or creative talent in the fine arts.  I always find it objectionable when so many people claim to have zero gifts or abilities or talents of any kind.  Not only is it blatantly false, but it is a slap in the face to the One who created you.  You have strengths and abilities and talent, every one of you.  I see it in your jobs and hobbies, how you relate with other people, how you communicate, how you create with your hands, how you repair a car, how you manage finances or coach a sports team, or encourage others, or give generously, or are able to dispense godly wisdom and advice, or are loyal or patient or so compassionate, or task-oriented or a “people person,” or you love animals or the environment, or you pursue justice, or you are always willing to lend a hand.  I see creativeness and talent in your prayer life or your openness or hospitality or your kindness.  Others note how you spread joy or stand as a pillar of strength for others or are disciplined and consistent or a listener or a good speaker or technologically savvy or possess leadership qualities or are vision-oriented or care about others’ feelings or a hard worker or a good school teacher or are an organizer.  You may know how to decorate or are a fun person to be around or have a high IQ or you are willing to change.  The list goes on and on. 
          If you include these and many more, then what would you say now about your abilities or talents or strengths?  Did God know what He was doing when He created you or not?  I think so.  You have so much to offer this world and the Kingdom of God and Trinity Church.  We are here to help you maximize your strengths and talents for the glory of God.