The discovery of one’s purpose can be realized in the observation of one’s talents, skills, and abilities. Yet sometimes, it takes a wake-up call for that purpose to be embraced.
For me, it was at a Chamber of Commerce luncheon in 2002 while I was a volunteer youth director at our church and a commercial lender at a local bank. The speaker at the luncheon, a State Senator, was encouraging attendees to accept the challenge to do big things in life. It was a stereotypical speech until he told the story of how he raised his daughters. He stated, “Every day that I dropped them off at school I reminded them to Go MAD! Whatever you do today, go make a difference.” I quickly jotted that phrase down on a napkin and stuck it in my suit pocket. Little did I realize how much that simple phrase would change my life.
We dream of living lives that matter. But far too many never act on their dreams, only to find themselves living with regret. On that fateful day at the luncheon I decided to stop dreaming and start doing. It was time to make a real difference in this world. That was the day I committed to Go MAD.
God has given every person unique talents, skills, and abilities. He expects us to utilize those qualities in ways that serve the needs of others as we serve the Kingdom. Jesus clarified His expectations when He exclaimed, “…For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required…” (Luke 12:48 KJV). I am convinced that conversations at the throne of judgment are going to involve what we did with the talents He gave us. Did we use our God-given talents, skills, and abilities to further the Kingdom by serving others? We must be ready to answer those questions with confidence.
This same ideology flows through the pen of Jude who declared, “And of some have compassion, making a difference” (Jude 1:22 KJV). Compassion is the extension of hope, help, and healing. Making a difference in someone’s life is as simple as demonstrating compassion. Jesus demonstrated compassion as He taught (Mark 6:34), healed (Luke 7:13), and fed people (Mark 8:2). Each one of these acts of compassion was a fulfillment of His purpose. Jesus made a manifold difference in the lives of everyone He had compassion on. He fulfilled His purpose by actively using His talents, skills, and abilities in the service of others.
Someone once said, “The greatest day of your life is not the day you were born, but the day you discover why.” The discovery of purpose is one of life’s greatest treasures. Motivation, a sense of fulfillment, positive self-esteem, and contentment are all produced by the discovery of purpose. To discover your purpose, consider every talent, skill, and ability God has placed within you. Chart it all out and then prayerfully answer the following question: “What does all of this lead me to do?”
The question should never be, “Should I serve?” The question should always be, “Whom should I serve?” Who do your talents, skills, and abilities serve best? Administrative abilities can serve the church in the organizing and planning of events. The ability to connect with others can serve well in evangelism and outreach. The skill of effective communication is desperately needed in discipleship training. None of these require a call to preach. They only require a commitment to action. How much more would the kingdom would be served if everyone would simply commit to use their talents, skills, and abilities for His glory?
The call of God doesn’t always come with goose bumps and visions. Divine purpose is often discovered in an overview of the talents, skills and abilities He has placed within you. If you want to know what God has called you to do (ie. PURPOSE), look at what He has equipped you to do (ie. TALENT). Prayerfully commit your talents back to Him and He will reveal your purpose in a divinely orchestrated way. The will of God requires us to commit all of our talents, skills, and abilities to the service of His Kingdom as we serve the needs of others.
Going MAD for me meant leaving a career in banking and becoming a pastor. What will Going MAD mean for you? Let the phrase “Go Make A Difference” become your life motto as you seek to use your talents, skills, and abilities to fulfill your God-given purpose.
Rick Lovall
Rick Lovall is a dual-career pastor serving The Sanctuary of Sikeston. He also serves the UPCI Loan Fund as a Loan Consultant. He and his wife, Kelby, have two sons, Easton and Parker. Rick and his family enjoying having #familyfundays…days set aside for making memories together.