The gifted person

When the world calls someone gifted, they are referring to someone's natural talent and ability.

The assumed origination of their gift or talent is self. This is why the phrases: self-made, and self-esteem are so popular. It's why personal branding and personal ambition are promoted so much.

It's also why a person feels compelled to show everyone how great they are.

However, in Romans 12, Paul emphasizes a different origin when calling someone gifted.

Romans 12:5-6 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us...

Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, tells us that the origination of someone's gift comes from God.

This means that God is the one who gives a believer, the privilege and opportunity to use their gift(s) to serve Him.

All born-again believers have been gifted by God, and it's up to each individual believer to do what they want with their gift(s).

However, no believer could have acquired their gifts by themselves. Spiritual gifts do not originate with self, they originate with God. They are only received after someone has received Christ as their Saviour.

Therefore, the individual believer isn't the one who needs praise, prominence, or recognition. The one who gave you the gift is the one whose name should receive praise.

God has spiritually gifted His children. He knows the motives we have when using our spiritual gifts. Be sure to use them for His glory, not vain-glory.