Developing Your Gifts for God

James Brown

Hey everyone, welcome back to Shutter the Dark Shorts. I’m James Brown, and I’m here with Sunshine. Today, we’re diving into something that’s honestly shaped a lot of my own journey—how we develop our gifts and skills for God. Sunshine, you ready for this one?

Sunshine

Absolutely, James! This is one of those topics that gets me excited, because I think a lot of people assume serving God is just about having a good heart, but there’s so much more to it. The Bible actually talks about skill and character working together, right?

James Brown

Yeah, exactly. I mean, Psalm 78:72 says David shepherded Israel with integrity of heart and guided them with skillful hands. So, it’s not just about being a good person—God values skill too. I think sometimes in church circles, we get stuck on this idea that as long as you’ve got character, you’re good to go. But if you don’t have the skills for the job, things can fall apart pretty quick.

Sunshine

That’s so true. And it’s not just David. Remember Bezalel in Exodus 31? God specifically filled him with the Spirit, with ability, intelligence, and craftsmanship to build the tabernacle. God didn’t just say, “Hey, pick anyone with a good attitude.” He chose people with real, developed skills for a purpose.

James Brown

Right, and I’ve seen that play out in my own life. When I started volunteering as a church bus driver, I’ll be honest—I had the heart for it, but I didn’t have the skills. I had to learn how to drive that big old bus safely, how to handle the kids, and even how to do basic maintenance. If I’d just relied on good intentions, I probably would’ve put people at risk. It took training, practice, and a willingness to get better. And, you know, that’s what God wants—He gives us gifts, but He expects us to develop them.

Sunshine

I love that, James. And it’s not just about us, either. When we develop our skills, we’re able to serve others more effectively. Like, in 1 Corinthians 12, Paul talks about how we’re all given different gifts for the common good. If we ignore the skill part, we’re missing out on what God wants to do through us.

James Brown

Yeah, and sometimes, I think churches can overemphasize character and just hope the skill will show up. But if someone’s not equipped for a role, it’s not really fair to them or the people they’re serving. There’s a balance. Character matters most, but skill is essential. Otherwise, you end up with frustration and, honestly, sometimes even burnout.

Sunshine

Exactly. And I think that’s why God gives us both—He wants us to be faithful stewards, not just of our hearts, but of our abilities too. So, if you’re listening and you’ve ever felt like your skills don’t matter, or you’re not “spiritual” enough because you’re more hands-on, just remember: God values both. He wants you to use what you’ve got and keep growing.

Sunshine

So, let’s talk about how you actually figure out what your gifts are. I know for me, it wasn’t always obvious. I had to do some digging—journaling about what energized me, asking people I trusted for feedback, and really reflecting on what scripture says. James 1:17 says every good and perfect gift is from above, so if you’re good at something, that’s not an accident.

James Brown

Yeah, and sometimes, you don’t even see your own strengths until someone points them out. I remember, back when I started helping with youth tech stuff, I didn’t think of it as a “gift.” I just liked tinkering with radios and cameras. But then people started saying, “Hey, you’re really good at explaining this stuff to the kids.” That’s when it clicked for me—maybe God wanted to use that.

Sunshine

That’s so relatable. For me, it was art. I loved drawing and painting, but I didn’t see it as a ministry until my church started asking me to help with creative projects—like designing flyers or painting backdrops for events. The feedback from my church family really helped me see that my creativity could be used for God’s purposes, not just as a hobby.

James Brown

And you know, it’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing your gifts to someone else’s. Like, you see someone up front preaching or leading worship, and you think, “Well, I’m not as important.” But 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 makes it clear—there are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. We’re not supposed to all do the same thing.

Sunshine

Totally. And another thing—don’t just chase your passion. I mean, passion is great, but it’s not always the best indicator of your calling. Sometimes God calls you to something you never expected, and your talents grow as you step out in faith. Like, Moses didn’t want to speak in public, but God used him anyway. And Jonah—well, he definitely wasn’t passionate about Nineveh at first!

James Brown

Yeah, and your gifts aren’t always fully developed right away. They take practice. I mean, I wasn’t a great bus driver on day one. It took time, mistakes, and a lot of learning. So, if you’re listening and you’re not sure what your gifts are, try journaling about what gives you energy, ask people you trust, and don’t be afraid to try new things. Sometimes, you just have to step out and see what God does.

Sunshine

And don’t forget to reflect on scripture, too. God’s Word is full of encouragement about using your gifts for the common good. And if you’re struggling with comparison or feeling like your gifts aren’t enough, remember—God gave them to you for a reason. Practice, explore, and let Him grow them over time.

James Brown

Alright, so once you’ve figured out your gifts, the next step is actually using them. And that’s where things get real. It’s not just about knowing what you’re good at—it’s about putting it into action, whether that’s in your job, your church, or your community. I mean, even something as simple as updating your resume can be a way to think about how your skills line up with what God’s calling you to do.

Sunshine

Yeah, and it’s not just about the “big” spiritual gifts, either. Hard skills like organization, digital know-how, or even project management—they all matter. And then there’s the soft skills: teamwork, communication, creativity. 1 Peter 4:10 says we should use whatever gift we’ve received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace. That means all of it counts.

James Brown

Exactly. For me, teaching youth technology has been one of the most rewarding things. I started out just wanting to help, but over the years, I’ve seen how investing in those skills—learning new tech, figuring out how to explain it, being patient—has let me serve generations of young people. And honestly, it’s not just about the tech. It’s about showing up, being consistent, and letting God use whatever you’ve got.

Sunshine

That’s such a good point. Sometimes we think our skills are too ordinary to make a difference, but God can use anything. Maybe you’re good at organizing events, or you’re creative with social media, or you’re just really good at listening to people. All of those can be used to serve others and make a Kingdom impact. The key is to look for problems that matter to God and ask, “How can my skills help here?”

James Brown

And don’t be afraid to start small. You don’t have to have it all figured out. Just take a step—volunteer, help out where you see a need, or even just offer to teach someone what you know. Over time, God will open doors and show you how your skills can make a real difference. And, you know, it’s not about being perfect. It’s about being willing.

Sunshine

Absolutely. So, whether you’re updating your resume, serving at church, or just helping a neighbor, remember—your skills matter to God. Use them with purpose, keep growing, and trust that God will use your efforts for something bigger than you can imagine.

James Brown

Well, that’s all for today’s episode. Thanks for joining us as we talked about developing your gifts for God. We hope you’re encouraged to dig in, grow, and serve wherever you are. Sunshine, always a pleasure.

Sunshine

Thanks, James! And thank you to everyone listening. We’ll be back soon with more ways to grow and shine God’s light. Take care, y’all!

James Brown

God bless, everyone. See you next time on Shutter the Dark Shorts.