Life With a Gift

This week the world mourns the loss of a pop music icon. Michael Jackson touched the lives of people in every corner of the globe with his music. There may be a number of Biblical figures that the King of Pop can be compared to. One that comes to my mind is King David. Through these two kings, we can learn a lot about living with a gift.

Both Michael and David’s gifts were challenged by adversity. It wasn’t by happenstance that Michael grew up in a home with the ultimate stage parents Joe and Katherine Jackson. Nor did David just happen to be a shepherd boy, son of Jesse. Michael’s early years were fraught with abuse and David’s time tending sheep was certainly rough and dangerous every now and then (see 1 Samuel 17:34–35)—yet neither allowed these obstacles to destroy their gift. Your trials can ultimately make your gift stronger.

David and Michael were dedicated to developing their gifts. Even with God-given natural talent, a gift needs to be polished. I often envision David spending much time while in the pastures watching his father’s sheep, practicing his harp and sharpening his fighting skills. It has been documented that Michael Jackson spent hours on end in the dance studio to perfect just a single dance move. Resting on your abilities is not an option, your gift is something to be worked at—daily.

Their gifts did not make them invulnerable to sin. While celebrated world wide for his genuine artistry, Michael Jackson also led a bizarre personal life that alienated some and appalled others. And David, although regarded as one of the greatest leaders that ever lived, allowed his lust for another man’s wife to cause him to orchestrate the murder of the man on the battlefield (2 Samuel 11). While both Michael and David are considered great men because of their gifts, both faced great personal turmoil and heartbreaking tragedy because of their sin. Even if you use your gift for the benefit of others, God doesn’t close his eyes or wink at your sin.

We are all born with a gift. Let’s learn from the examples of those set before us so that our gifts may be used for God’s glory.