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Points to Ponder
- What can happen to our talents if we do not continually develop them and share them?
Yia has had a difficult week. School is not going well. His family is not happy about him joining the Church several months ago. His friends at work avoid him since he joined the Church because he stopped doing things with them that compromised his standards. He is considering changing jobs but feels that his qualifications are not strong. He fears the future.
- How might you help and encourage him to realize his potential?
- How can developing your talents and abilities help your confidence?
- How can you use your talents in your occupation?
- What skill or ability would you like to develop that you do not currently have?
- How might your patriarchal blessing help you to identify your talents?
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The Lord encourages us to develop our talents and abilities. This often requires patience, self-discipline, and diligent effort. As we progress, we realize more fully our potential and become better at helping others....
- Elder Bruce R. McConkie of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: “All the spirits of men, while yet in the Eternal Presence, developed aptitudes, talents, capacities, and abilities of every sort, kind, and degree. During the long expanse of life which then was, an infinite variety of talents and abilities came into being. As the ages rolled, no two spirits remained alike. Mozart became a musician; Einstein centered his interest in mathematics; Michelangelo turned his attention to painting. . . . Abraham and Moses and all of the prophets sought and obtained the talent for spirituality...When we pass from preexistence to mortality, we bring with us the traits and talents there developed. True, we forget what went before because we are here being tested, but the capacities and abilities that then were ours are yet resident within us. Mozart is still a musician; Einstein retains his mathematical abilities; Michelangelo his artistic talent; Abraham, Moses, and the prophets their spiritual talents and abilities. . . . And all men with their infinitely varied talents and personalities pick up the course of progression where they left it off when they left the heavenly realms” ( The Mortal Messiah, 4 vols. [1979–81], 1:23, 25).
- Elder Bruce R. McConkie, then of the Seventy: “In this prior life, this premortal existence, this preexistence, we developed various capacities and talents. Some developed them in one field and some in another. The most important of all fields was the field of spirituality-the ability, the talent, the capacity to recognize truth” ( Making Our Calling and Election Sure, Brigham Young University Speeches of the Year [Mar. 25, 1969], 5–6).
- Elder Marvin J. Ashton of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: “One of the great tragedies of life, it seems to me, is when a person classifies himself as someone who has no talents or gifts. When, in disgust or discouragement, we allow ourselves to reach depressive levels of despair because of our demeaning self-appraisal, it is a sad day for us and a sad day in the eyes of God. For us to conclude that we have no gifts when we judge ourselves by stature, intelligence, grade-point average, wealth, power, position, or external appearance is not only unfair but unreasonable. . . .“God has given each of us one or more special talents. . . . It is up to each of us to search for and build upon the gifts which God has given. We must remember that each of us is made in the image of God, that there are no unimportant persons. Everyone matters to God and to his fellowmen. . . .“. . . Taken at random, let me mention a few gifts that are not always evident or noteworthy but that are very important . . . :“. . . The gift of asking; the gift of listening; the gift of hearing and using a still, small voice; the gift of being able to weep; the gift of avoiding contention; the gift of being agreeable; the gift of avoiding vain repetition; the gift of seeking that which is righteous; the gift of not passing judgment; the gift of looking to God for guidance; the gift of being a disciple; the gift of caring for others; the gift of being able to ponder; the gift of offering prayer; the gift of bearing a mighty testimony; and the gift of receiving the Holy Ghost.“We must remember that to every man is given a gift by the Spirit of God. It is our right and responsibility to accept our gifts and to share them” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1987, 23; or Ensign, Nov. 1987, 20 ).
- President James E. Faust of the First Presidency: “We must recognize that our natural gifts and abilities are limited, but when augmented by inspiration and guidance of the Holy Ghost, our potential increases manyfold. You need help from a power beyond your own to do something extraordinarily useful. You young [people] can have opportunities and receive blessings beyond your wildest dreams and expectations. Your future may not hold fame or fortune, but it can be something far more lasting and fulfilling. Remember that what we do in life echoes in eternity” (in Conference Report, Apr. 2002, 56; orEnsign, May 2002, 47–48 ).
- Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles:“ Place the Savior, His teachings, and His church at the center of your life. Make sure that all decisions comply with this standard. “ This principle will see you through periods of testing and growth. Upward growth occurs in cycles that build upon each other in an ascending spiral of capacity and understanding. They are often not easy, but they are always beneficial. As you walk the path of righteousness, you will grow in strength, understanding, and self-esteem. You will discover hidden talents and unknown capacities. The whole course of your life may be altered for your happiness and the Lord’s purposes” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1991, 43; or Ensign, May 1991, 34 )
- Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: “Ask your Heavenly Father to bless you with faith and courage, and He will help you endure any challenges you may face. He will help you overcome loneliness, feelings of desperation and hopelessness, setbacks of a personal, emotional, financial, and even spiritual nature; or will strengthen you when you are simply feeling overwhelmed by all of the demands for your time and attention. He will give you the ability to serve faithfully in every assignment you receive from your local Church leaders. Your faith and your knowledge of the restoration of the gospel will give you the strength to be faithful and true to the covenants you have made with the Lord, and to share your strengths and talents gladly to build up the Kingdom of God here on the Earth! Brothers and sisters, your testimony of Jesus Christ is the most important anchor that you can have to help hold you, steadfast and immovable, to principles of righteousness, regardless of the challenges and temptations that may come in the future” ( Anchor to the Soul [CES fireside for young adults, Sept. 6, 1992], 4; see “Steadfast in Christ,” Ensign, Dec. 1993, 51–52 )
- The Prophet Joseph Smith: “When the Master in the Savior’s parable of the stewards called his servants before him he gave them several talents to improve on while he should tarry abroad for a little season, and when he returned he called for an accounting. So it is now. Our Master is absent only for a little season, and at the end of it He will call each to render an account; and where the five talents were bestowed, ten will be required; and he that has made no improvement will be cast out as an unprofitable servant, while the faithful will enjoy everlasting honors” ( Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith [1976], 68).
- President James E. Faust: “Some of you may think that you will discover your strengths and abilities by living on the edge. Perhaps you also think it is a way to find your identity or manliness. Your identity, however, cannot be found from thrill seeking, such as intentionally and unnecessarily exposing your life or your soul to any kind of danger, physical or moral. There will always be enough risks that will come to you naturally without your having to seek them out. Your strength and identity will come from honoring your priesthood, developing your talents, and serving the Lord. Each of you will have to work very hard to qualify for your eternal potential. It will not be easy. Finding your true identity will tax your ability far beyond climbing a dangerous cliff or speeding in a car or on a motorcycle. It will require all of your strength, stamina, intelligence, and courage” (in Conference Report, Sept.–Oct. 1995, 61; or Ensign, Nov. 1995, 46 )
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Read the parable of the talents found in Matthew 25:14–30 . Explain what happened to the different servants and why.
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