TALENT OR HARD WORK?

 

TALENT OR HARD WORK?

 

. . . the whole body . . . grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work
(Eph. 4:16 NIV).

 

A famous pianist had just completed his concert. The audience was loud and long in its applause. At the reception which followed, a woman remarked to him, "What talent! What genius! I wish that God had gifted me like that."

 

The great pianist replied, "Madam, that is not genius, nor am I especially gifted. If you would simply practice eight hours every day for forty years, you could play the piano as well as I!"

 

That is not entirely true, of course, for talent is necessary. But he is correct in asserting that some accomplishments are simply the results of hard work and faithful practice. Too many people sit around waiting for the talented, the gifted, or the inspired to do what needs to be done, when what is really needed is for someone to just roll up his sleeves and go to work.

 

Thomas Edison said, "Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration."

 

Those who have been involved in the church know that much of what is accomplished is done not by those with the greatest abilities — but by those with a willing spirit.

 

If the talent is possessed by a lazy person, hard work will accomplish more than talent.

 

Life response: "Lord, help me to use the abilities You have given me for the work You have given me."